Dr. Golomb's article on the possible relation between cholesterol levels and violent behavior [1] raises important issues on how our interventions to improve health can unwittingly cause harm. The article did inspire me to comment on how, I believe, some in our medical and pharmaceutical community might view these concerns. Not all problems present an opportunity.

"Cholesterol and serotonin are the latest debate

How lowering the former will inevitably relate

To lowering the latter and in such a state

The heart will be healthy, the mind full of hate.

Cholesterol, cholesterol, you've been such a scourge,

Lower, lower levels, the doctors all urged

From your diets the saturated fats you must purge

While murder and suicide continue to surge.

Makes sense, doesn't it, when of good food we deprive

Our patients, who for a hamburger and fries,

Would gladly give up the extra minutes they'd survive,

And the rage, into which our nagging can drive.

Opportunity, opportunity, just think of it all,

How McDonald's and Burger King can take up the call,

How something so simple as a burger and fry,

Can satisfy your tastebuds and keep you high.

Pharmaceutical companies can afford to be smug

As they marvel at the market for a new combo drug.

Lower cholesterol and rage for them opens a door,

Coming soon, the new panacea, Prozacor."