Apolipoprotein A5, a crucial determinant of plasma triglyceride levels, is highly responsive to peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha activators.

The recently discovered APOA5 gene has been shown in humans and mice to be important in determining plasma triglyceride levels, a major cardiovascular disease risk factor. apoAV represents the first described apolipoprotein where overexpression lowers triglyceride levels. Since fibrates represent a commonly used therapy for lowering plasma triglycerides in humans, we investigated their ability to modulate APOA5 gene expression and consequently influence plasma triglyceride levels.