Intestinal microsomal triglyceride transfer protein, promoter region polymorphisms and postprandial lipoproteins in Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract

Microsomal triglyceride transfer protein is an ancient lipid transfer protein responsible for the assembly of chylomicrons in the intestine and very low density lipoproteins in the liver. Common MTP gene promoter region polymorphisms have been described that do not affect lipoproteins and cardiovascular risk in non-diabetic subjects. Their effect in diabetes has not been described in a Caucasian population. Intestinal MTP gene expression and protein activity are increased in animal models of diabetes while human intestinal MTP expression has not previously been reported. Eighty two diabetic subjects had MTP genotyping by PCR-RFLP and were characterized for evidence of cardiovascular disease by means of chart review, exercise stress tests and carotid artery intima-media thickness measurements. Twenty -seven diabetic and 24 non-diabetic subjects had duodenal biopsies taken during endoscopy and MTPmRNA was measured by a ribonuclease protection assay. Postprandial lipoprotein composition was determined in all subjects after a high fat meal.