WUHAN -- Chinese researchers have discovered a new compound that can help lower cholesterol levels in the blood.

Long-term high levels of cholesterol in the blood can cause atherosclerosis, which may lead to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.

Statins are the main clinical cholesterol-lowering drugs and are widely used in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. However, statins increase side effects after treatment.

After a series of compound design and activity analysis, researchers from Wuhan University discovered a new compound that can lower cholesterol.

The compound Cmpd 81 reduced cholesterol levels as well as the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in mice with hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis. When this compound is combined with statins, it can further lower cholesterol levels.

The research has broad application prospects in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. The screening system in the research as well as the compound have been put in for patent applications.

The research was published in the journal Nature Communications.