Protein 'fights cholesterol-lowering drugs'

Cholesterol-lowering drugs taken by millions of people may sometimes not work effectively because of a protein secreted by fat tissue, say scientists.

Statins reduce levels of low-density lipoprotein, the "bad" form of cholesterol linked to heart disease. But up to 40% of those taking them are resistant to their effects, according to the authors of the new research.

The reason may be a fat-generated protein called resistin, scientists believe.

It not only causes high levels of LDL, but also counteracts the beneficial effects of statins.