UK scientists uncover blood clot treatment

A protein known to regulate cholesterol may also be involved in the formation of blood clots, according to new research from the University of Reading.

UK scientists have published research in the journal Blood focusing on a protein called LXR, which is an important target for cholesterol-lowering drugs.

Their study revealed that it also appears to suppress the function of blood cells called platelets, which help to form blood clots.

The discovery suggests that drugs that target the LXR protein may also help to prevent thrombosis, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.

Professor Jon Gibbins, director of the university's Institute for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research, noted that conditions of this kind kill more people in the UK annually than any other disease.

Professor Jeremy Pearson, associate medical director at the British Heart Foundation, which part-funded the study, said: "This exciting discovery … shows that drugs which lower cholesterol through targeting LXR protein can also reduce harmful blood clotting – potentially opening up paths towards new, more effective treatments."