Molecule Triggers Fat in Liver

Research has proven that saturated fats and trans fattyacids cause high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides. Bothare risk factors in cardiovascular disease and some types ofcancer. A new study identified a molecule in the liver thatexplains how eating fatty foods increases the risk of heartdisease and cancer.

The researchers reported that the harmful effects of saturatedand trans fats are activated by PGC-1beta, a biochemicalswitch located in the liver cells. The investigatorsexplained that, when PGC-1beta is set in motion by harmfulfats, it alters liver metabolism and causes an upsurge of theliver's production of very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL). Inturn, the VLDL produces low-density lipoprotein. Furthermore,it manufactures higher levels of triglycerides.