Cholesterol

John Bielicki's research may lead to improved ways of fighting atherosclerosis.

(Photo Roy Kaltschmidt, CSO) "We want to devise a therapeutic that mimics how nature keeps the arteries clear of They're not there yet.

A successful drug is still years away.

But Bielicki's team has completed the necessary groundwork.

In a pair of recently published studies, they reveal in unprecedented detail how the At the heart of this process are two proteins present in the blood called apolipoprotein E and A-I.

These proteins bind with another protein, called ABCA1, which resides in the membranes of certain cells that line arterial walls.

When these proteins bind, ABCA1 kicks into gear and pumps The resulting protein- Along the way, the HDL particle mops up still more Problem solved.

Unfortunat...

Participants must already have been scheduled for the surgery and must have compelling obesity-related complications such as Type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood pressure or other cardiovascular risk factors.

Information also will be collected on psychological and social effects of the surgery on the teenagers.

Severe obesity can lead to low self-esteem, less social interaction with peers and depression.

Kerri Green, director of education for the Weller Health Education Center in Easton, Pa., believes studies are needed to find out if young people can understand the physical, psychological and emotional consequences of bariatric surgery, which she said should be done only for compelling medical reasons.

"We see a lot of what we call the 'Extreme Makeover' phenomenon, where kids see surgery as a quick fix that will make up for poor eating habits and a lack of exercise,'' she said.

Munson's mother, Barbara Farnsworth, said they exhausted all other options before resorting to surgery.

"It breaks your heart to see your child struggling and becoming so depressed and to hear doctors say she won't see 30 if she doesn't lose weight,'' Farnsworth said.

"This is only a tool, but I now see a future for Amanda that just wasn't there before.'' Voice of...