Effects of Phenotypic and Genotypic Factors on the Lipid Responses to Niacin in Chinese Patients With Dyslipidemia

The acyl-CoA: diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT) enzymes DGAT1 and DGAT2 catalyze the final step in triglycerides biosynthesis. This study examined the relationships of baseline phenotypes and the common polymorphisms in DGAT1 and DGAT2 with the lipid responses to niacin. Lipid responses in Chinese patients with dyslipidemia treated with the extended release (ER) niacin/laropiprant combination 1000/20mg for 4 weeks and then 2000/40mg for 8 weeks (n = 121, the primary study) or with ER niacin 1500mg for at least 4 weeks (n = 68, the replication study) were analyzed according to genotypes of DGAT1 rs7003945 T>C and DGAT2 rs3060 T>C polymorphisms. Treatment with ER niacin improved all lipid parameters in both studies. Absolute and percentage changes in lipids were related to their baseline levels, particularly for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). The DGAT2 rs3060 T>C polymorphism was associated with lower baseline LDL-C, apoB, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and apoAI in patients on statin therapy in the primary study. Subjects with the DGAT2 rs3060 T>C variant had less reduction in LDL-C in the primary study and smaller changes in triglyceride and HDL-C in the replication study but these associations became nonsignificant after adjusting for baseline lipid values. The DGAT1 rs7003945 T>C polymorphism was not related to lipid baseline values or changes in either study. Concomitant statin therapy and lower body weight were also associated with greater reduction in LDL-C. Baseline lipid levels were the main determinants of lipid responses especially for LDL-C. TheDGAT2 rs3060 polymorphism might influence the lipid responses depending on baseline phenotype, but this association did not persist after adjustment for the baseline lipid levels.