A research team from the University of Texas at Arlington has found that IDO1 enzyme plays a key role in cholesterol metabolism. Experiments have proved that inhibiting the enzyme activity can effectively maintain the healthy cholesterol level of the body, bringing new hope for the treatment of heart disease, diabetes, cancer and other major diseases. The relevant research was published in the Langmuir journal under the American Chemical Society. Research has revealed that when IDO1 enzyme is blocked, it can significantly inhibit the inflammatory response of macrophages. This regulatory mechanism is of great significance, because chronic inflammation is the common cause of heart disease, cancer, diabetes and even Alzheimer's disease. As an important defense line of the immune system, inflammation is a natural weapon for the body to fight against infections. But modern medical research has found that when the human body is in a state of stress, trauma, or infection for a long time, uncontrolled inflammatory reactions can destroy cell function like wildfire. During this process, the normal metabolic ability of macrophages towards cholesterol is also impaired, ultimately leading to a series of chronic diseases. Research has found that during the process of inflammation, IDO1 enzyme is activated to produce kynurenine, which interferes with the way macrophages process cholesterol. After using inhibitors to shut down IDO1 enzyme, macrophages regained their ability to metabolize cholesterol. More notably, the team also found that nitric oxide synthase produces a synergistic effect with IDO1 enzyme. This indicates that targeting these two enzymes has the potential to bring revolutionary therapies to millions of patients with inflammation driven diseases. The team said that when cholesterol accumulates too much in macrophages, it can cause a series of diseases such as arterial blockage and heart disease. Now they have found the "culprit". At present, the team is deeply exploring the network relationship between IDO1 enzyme and cholesterol regulation, and screening for other enzymes that may be involved. If safe and effective IDO1 inhibitors can be developed, it may open the door to the prevention of inflammation related diseases. (New Society)