Scientists have identified a molecule produced by a common gut bacterium that reduced artery plaque buildup by approximately 50% in mice prone to atherosclerosis. Published in Nature, the study identified pentadecanoic acid, a fatty acid that inhibits HMG-CoA reductase, the same enzyme targeted by cholesterol-lowering statins. By reducing cholesterol production and increasing LDL uptake by liver cells, the molecule helped lower blood cholesterol levels and plaque accumulation. However, these findings come primarily from animal experiments and do not establish a treatment for humans. Although preliminary human research offers some encouraging signals, larger clinical trials are needed to determine whether the molecule could safely help prevent cardiovascular disease.
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