Question

The assembly of VLDL particles within the liver involves a protein called microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP), which is essential for the assembly of apolipoprotein B (apo-B) containing lipoproteins. Known inhibition of MTP prevents hepatic VLDL secretion by preventing VLDL production. Given this effect, drugs targeting MTP are of interest as potential drugs for hyperlipidemia (a condition with elevated levels of lipid and/or lipoproteins).

As with any drug, there are associated side effects. The side effects of MTP inhibition include a condition called steatorrhea, which is the excretion of abnormal quantities of fat in the feces. Please explain this side effect, including nay relevant pathways and/or lipoproteins involved.

Answer 1

Steatorrhea is a condition where abnormal fats are present in feces. This side effect act due to many reasons. Liver is the main organ responsible for the digestion of fats through fats emulsification. Non functioning of liver properly does lead to indigestion of fats and lead to the side effect. Pancreatic lipase is the enzyme responsible for fat digestion, not functioning of the enzyme property may lead to the side effect. Not functioning of biliary pathway that is secretion of bile from the liver, too lead to such side effects.