Grant: China-Canada Joint Health Research Initiative

Atherosclerosis (AS) and its vascular complications, atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD) account for a staggering burden of disease globally affecting both developed and developing societies. Abnormal blood cholesterol has long been recognized as an important risk factor for ASCVD. Despite the proven benefit of lowering of LDL cholesterol, or the so-called bad cholesterol by a class of pharmacological agents called statins, there remains a significant treatment gap. Recent studies on a class of plant-derived compound called Anthocyanin showed great promise in producing further benefit. A proof of principle clinical trial by Dr Ling's group in China suggested that Anthocyanin targets not only LDL cholesterol, it also significantly raises HDL-C in healthy subjects. In this China-Canada joint venture, Dr Ling and Dr Ng will intergrate their respective expertise to address the important questions through combined basic science studies and human clinical trials. The major research aims are to address (1) whether Anthocyanin treatment are also effective in raising blood level of HDL-C and in improving other biomarkers of ASCVD in at risk subjects selected on the basis of low HDL-C, (2) detailed mechanisms as to how Anthocyanin impacts on blood level as well as function of HDL. These findings will provide crucial information as to the potential of this class of naturally occurring plant compounds in the treatment of heart diseases.