Genetics
CETP TaqIB genotype determines whether atorvastatin raises or lowers HDL cholesterol (Open Cardiovasc Med J 2010)
Original title: Cholesteryl ester transfer protein gene and effectiveness of lipid lowering of atorvastatin
This study genotyped 212 newly started atorvastatin users for CETP TaqIB and I405V variants to assess whether they modify the drug's lipid-lowering response. Homozygotes for the TaqIB B1 allele had lower baseline plasma HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) than B1B2 or B2B2 carriers (p=0.03 for each), and homozygotes for the I405V I allele had lower baseline HDL-C than IV or VV carriers (p=0.001 for each). After atorvastatin treatment, B1 carriers increased HDL-C by 4%, while B2 carriers decreased HDL-C by 4% (p=0.03). B1 allele homozygotes also showed a smaller, non-significant decrease in triglycerides compared to B1B2 or B2B2 carriers. The authors conclude CETP TaqIB and I405V polymorphisms modify the lipid-lowering response to atorvastatin, knowledge that could help design more effective hypolipidemic treatment.
Original abstract
Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) plays a key role in lipid metabolism. Thus, variations in the CETP gene may be clinically relevant. Newly started atorvastatin users (n=212) were genotyped for CETP genetic variants (TaqIB and I405V). Homozygotes for B1 allele of TaqIB polymorphism had lower plasma high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) compared with B1B2 or B2B2 genotypes (p=0.03, for each). Homozygotes for I allele of I405V polymorphism had lower plasma HDL-C compared with IV or VV genotypes (p=0.001, for each). In the whole population, the B1 carriers increased HDL-C levels by 4% after atorvastatin treatment, compared with B2 carriers, where a 4% decrease occurred (p=0.03). Also homozygotes for B1 allele decreased triglyceride levels to a lesser, though not significant, degree compared to B1B2 or B2B2 genotypes. CETP TaqIB or I405V polymorphisms seem to modify the lipid lowering response to atorvastatin treatment. This knowledge may help design more effective hypolipidaemic treatment.
Summary written by cetpinhibition.org from the published abstract; figures as published. Page updated 19 August 2026. Methods.