DDTs and Genetics: A Double Whammy for High Cholesterol?

A recent study dug into how DDTs and genes team up to mess with our cholesterol levels. Researchers tracked over 6, 000 people from Wuhan and Zhuhai, checking their DDT levels and cholesterol at the start and six years later. They found that DDTs, especially one called p, p'-DDT, can push up bad cholesterol (like LDL) and lower good cholesterol (HDL). This effect was stronger in women and younger folks. The study also looked at how genes play a role. People with high genetic risk for high triglycerides and high DDT levels saw even bigger jumps in their triglyceride levels. This suggests that DDTs and genes together can pack a double punch. Interestingly, the study also found that air pollution, specifically tiny particles called PM2. 5, is a big way DDTs get into our bodies. Higher pollution meant higher DDT levels in the blood. So, what does this all mean? It seems that DDTs and our genes can both mess with our cholesterol, and pollution might be making it worse. This could be important for understanding heart disease and how to prevent it.