The SCARB1 gene is associated with lipid response to dietary and pharmacological interventions

J Hum Genet. 2008;53(8):709-717. doi: 10.1007/s10038-008-0302-2. Epub 2008 Jun 10.

Abstract

The scavenger receptor class B type 1 (SCARB1) gene is a key component in the reverse cholesterol transport pathway and thus plays an important role in lipid metabolism. Studies suggest that the SCARB1 gene may contribute to variation in plasma lipid levels at fasting; however, the results have been inconsistent, and it is unclear whether SCARB1 may also influence lipid response to dietary and pharmacologic interventions. In this study, we examined genetic variation in the SCARB1 gene in participants of the Genetics of Lipid Lowering Drugs and Diet Network (GOLDN) study for associations with basal lipid levels, changes in lipid measures after dietary fat intake, and fenofibrate treatment. We found that the exon 1 variant SCARB1_G2S was significantly associated with postfenofibrate change for triglycerides (TG) (P = 0.004). Subjects bearing SCARB1_G2S minor allele A tend to have higher responsiveness to fenofibrate in lowering TG. In summary, our study suggested that the SCARB1 gene may serve as a useful marker that predicts variation in baseline lipid levels, postprandial lipid response, and response to fenofibrate intervention.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • CD36 Antigens / genetics
  • Diet*
  • Female
  • Fenofibrate / administration & dosage
  • Fenofibrate / pharmacology*
  • Genetic Markers / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Hypolipidemic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Hypolipidemic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Lipids / blood*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
  • Scavenger Receptors, Class B / genetics*

Substances

  • CD36 Antigens
  • Genetic Markers
  • Hypolipidemic Agents
  • Lipids
  • SCARB1 protein, human
  • Scavenger Receptors, Class B
  • Fenofibrate