Analysis of genetic and nongenetic factors influencing triglycerides-lowering drug effects based on paired observations.

Obesity is a risk factor for heart disease, stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure, and other chronic diseases. Some drugs, including fenofibrate, are used to treat obesity or excessive weight by lowering the level of specific triglycerides. However, different groups have different drug sensitivities and, consequently, there are differences in drug effects. In this study, we assessed both genetic and nongenetic factors that influence drug responses and stratified patients into groups based on differential drug effect and sensitivity. Our methodology of investigating genetic factors and nongenetic factors is applicable to studying differential effects of other drugs, such as statins, and provides an approach to the development of personalized medicine.