Novel role of NPC1L1 in the regulation of hepatic metabolism: potential contribution of ezetimibe in NAFLD/NASH treatment.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease in Western countries and also in other parts of the world. NAFLD encompasses a histological spectrum ranging from simple steatosis to steatohepatitis, advanced fibrosis and inflammatory changes. It frequently occurs with features of the metabolic syndrome including obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia and hypertension. In fact, the metabolic syndrome is a strong predictor of NAFLD. Recently, Niemann-Pick C1-like 1 (NPC1L1) has been shown to play a pivotal role in cholesterol absorption. Unlike mouse NPC1L1 protein, predominantly expressed in the intestines, human and rat NPC1L1 is also abundantly expressed in the liver. Though the exact functions of hepatic NPC1L1 remain unknown, NPC1L1 may facilitate the hepatic accumulation of cholesterol. This raises a potential possibility that ezetimibe may improve fatty liver formation. In this review, potential role of lipid metabolism in NAFLD and its possible modulation through NPC1L1 blockade is discussed.
Life Science and Bioethics Research Center, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 1138519, Japan. masavasc@tmd.ac.jp
Masayuki
M
Yoshida
D000818:Animals; D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001384:Azetidines / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000378:metabolism; D000069438:Ezetimibe; D005234:Fatty Liver / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000378:metabolism*; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D026901:Membrane Transport Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism; D065626:Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents; D001384:Azetidines; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D026901:Membrane Transport Proteins; C410800:NPC1L1 protein, human; C482444:NPC1L1 protein, rat; C482445:Npc1l1 protein, mouse; D002784:Cholesterol; D000069438:Ezetimibe