DDTs and Genetics: A Double Whammy for High Cholesterol?

A recent study has uncovered how DDTs and genes work together to disrupt our cholesterol levels.

The Study

• Participants: Over 6,000 people from Wuhan and Zhuhai.
• Method: Researchers measured DDT levels and cholesterol at the start and six years later.
• Key Finding: p, p'-DDT (a type of DDT) was linked to:
• Increased bad cholesterol (LDL)
• Decreased good cholesterol (HDL)
• Stronger effects in women and younger individuals.

Genetic Influence

• People with a high genetic risk for high triglycerides and high DDT levels saw even larger increases in triglyceride levels.
• Conclusion: DDTs and genes can amplify each other's effects.

Air Pollution's Role

• PM2.5 (tiny air pollutants) was identified as a major source of DDT exposure.
• Higher pollution = Higher DDT levels in the blood.

Implications

• DDTs and genes disrupt cholesterol levels, potentially increasing heart disease risk.
• Air pollution may worsen the problem by increasing DDT exposure.