Anti-cholesterol gene found in Italians

Palermo, Italy -- Researchers in Italy say they've found a cholesterol-blocking gene in three southern Italian families.

The families, from Sicily and Calabria, are the first white bearers of the gene, ANSA said in a news release.

ANSA said the mutated gene is found in 2 percent of African-Americans.

Maurizio Averna of Palermo University said the discovery may help scientists find new ways of keeping cholesterol low and averting heart disease.

The study was published by the American Heart Association, ANSA said.

Copyright 2007 by United Press International.