Bed rest while sick may have different effects on cholesterol levels depending on age. This was reported by American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB).
A new study examining cholesteryl esters suggests that long periods of inactivity may affect people differently depending on their age. Cholesterol esters are cholesterol molecules bonded to fatty acids. In this form, cholesterol is stored and transported throughout the body.
Scientists measured cholesterol esters in blood collected from middle-aged and older adults during bed rest. The analysis showed that levels of some cholesteryl esters increased during bed rest in middle-aged patients but decreased in older adults.
“More research is needed to better understand the biological significance of these findings and what implications they may have on health. However, replacing or adding some fatty acids to the diet relative to others may slightly shift cholesteryl ester types toward a healthier profile.” explained the scientists.
As people get older, their risk of being hospitalized or bedridden increases. This prolonged inactivity causes many negative health consequences, including decreased insulin function and loss of muscle and bone mass. Scientists are trying to better understand the biology associated with these changes so that treatments can be developed to reduce the negative effects of physical inactivity.
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