Neuropeptide Y: a novel link between the neuroendocrine system and cholesterol metabolism.

High serum total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels constitute the main risk factor for atherosclerotic vascular diseases. Both genetic and environmental factors are involved in the regulation of serum cholesterol levels. Neuropeptide Y (NPY), which is widely expressed in both the central and peripheral nervous systems, is known to regulate food intake and energy balance but its role in cholesterol metabolism has remained almost untouched in former literature. A newly discovered association between a leucine(7)-to-proline(7) polymorphism (Pro(7)) in the signal peptide of NPY and a high cholesterol level may provide new ideas for the genetic regulation of cholesterol metabolism. The presence of the Pro(7) in NPY results in serum total cholesterol levels 0.6-1.4 mmol/L higher compared with subjects without this gene variant. The Pro(7) in NPY was detected in 14% of Finns but only in 6% of Dutchmen, and its impact on serum cholesterol concentration seems to be stronger in obese than in normal-weight subjects. At least among Finns, the Pro(7) in NPY is one of the strongest genetic factors identified thus far affecting serum cholesterol levels.