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High levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL) are linked to increased breast cancer risks, a new study finds. HDL, also known as the "good cholesterol" is thought to protect against heart disease.

The study led by Philippe Frank, Ph.D., a cancer biologist in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Thomas Jefferson University showed the adverse effect of HDL receptor. They found that the HDL receptor found on breast cancer cells may be responsible the such effect. They also proposed a new molecular target that could help in the treatment of the disease.

“If we can block the activity of the HDL receptor in breast cancer, we may be able to limit the harmful effects of HDL, while maintaining levels that are beneficial for blood vessels,” said Dr. Frank in a press release.

To understand clearly the effects of HDL on cancer cells at the molecular level, Dr. Frank and his colleagues exposed breast cancer cell lines to HDL. They noticed that signaling pathways involved in cancer progression were activated.

The study is an indication that HDL plays role in the development of aggressive breast cancers. Also it is inhibiting its functions via SR-BI in breast cancer cells may stall cancer growth to an extent.

Certainly further studies are needed to develop more specific drugs to inhibit SR-BI. “Also, we need to understand what levels of cholesterol are required by the tumor before trying to reduce or modify lipid levels in cancer patients,” sayid Dr. Frank. “We hope this study will lead to the development of new drugs targeting SR-BI or cholesterol metabolism and eventually preventing tumor progression,” he later added.

The findings of the work is published in the journal Breast Cancer Research.