A SNP of NPC1L1 affects cholesterol absorption in Japanese.

Aim: Ezetimibe is known to target Niemann-Pick Type C1 Like1 (NPC1L1), a key protein in intestinal cholesterol absorption, and thus to decrease serum LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. The response of serum LDL-C levels to ezetimibe was reported to differe among NPC1L1 haplotypes.We analyzed NPC1L1 genotypes in Japanese and investigated differences in markers of cholesterol synthesis/absorption among the genotypes.

Increased serum apolipoprotein B48 concentration in patients with metabolic syndrome.

Aim: Postprandial hyperlipidemia is characterized by an increase of chylomicron remnants (CM-R), and is a risk factor for atherosclerosis. Apolipoprotein (apo) B48 exists exclusively in chylomicroms and CM-R, and fasting plasma levels of apo B48 may reflect high postprandial levels of chylomicrons and/or CM-R. We hypothesized that fasting apo B48 levels may be increased in metabolic syndrome.