Researchers from the Schering-Plough Research Institute in Kenilworth, NJ have identified a protein that is critical for the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines. The protein is expressed by cholesterol absorption gene, NPC1L1, Niemann-Pick C1 Like. The protein was found throughout the small intestine. The research indicates that NPC1L1 may be a target for Zetia (ezetimibe), a recently approved cholesterol-lowering drug whose mechanism of action is not completely understood. The drug had no effect on mice lacking NPC1L1, suggesting that Zetia works through a pathway involving NPC1L1.
SOURCE: Science, February 20, 2004.

Scientists at the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions have found that increases in blood levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) significantly increase the risk of colon cancer in people who appear to be at average risk of the disease. They followed 22,887 adults over 3.5 years, and found 172 cases of colorectal cancer where plasma CRP levels were higher than among controls (median CRP, 2.44 versus 1.94 mg/L; p= 0.01).
Source: Journal of the American Medical Association, February 4, 2004.