Abstract
Niemann-Pick C1-like 1 (NPC1L1) is essential for the intestinal absorption of cholesterol and is recognized as a pharmacological target of ezetimibe (Zetia[○!R]), 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 the ability to transport vitamin E and that ezetimibe is able to inhibit the intestinal absorption of vitamin E. This review article describes the basis and recent topics of NPC1L1 and its vitamin E transport.