Abstract
Niemann-Pick C1-like 1 (NPC1L1) is essential for the intestinal absorption of cholesterol and is recognized as a pharmacological target of ezetimibe, a cholesterol absorption inhibitor clinically used for the treatment of dyslipidemia. Based on the hypothesis that some lipophilic molecules may be taken up in the intestinal lumen via a pathway shared with cholesterol, we tested some fat-soluble molecules and obtained the data suggesting that NPC1L1 has an ability to transport vitamin E and vitamin K, and that ezetimibe is able to inhibit the intestinal absorption of these fat-soluble vitamins. In addition, drug-drug interaction between ezetimibe and warfarin could be accounted for by the decreased vitamin K absorption. This review article describes the basis and recent topics of NPC1L1 and, especially, its relationship with vitamin transport.
