Microarray data showed that chitosan downregulated the expressions of apoB and ghrelin genes in the stomach. ApoB, a large amphipathic protein, is mainly expressed in the liver and is present on very-low density lipoproteins (VLDL), intermediate density lipoproteins, and low-density lipoproteins. ApoB is required for the formation of VLDL in the liver. Binding of apoB to the microsomal transport protein results in the incorporation of lipids into the apoB molecule and leads to the formation of VLDL particles [30], [41]. In clinical practice, apoB can be used as a marker to estimate the total number of atherogenic lipoprotein particles [42]. Elevated apoB is a hallmark of several inherited disorders associated with atherosclerosis [43]. However, patients with extremely low levels of apoB seem to be protected against cardiovascular diseases [44]. Because apoB is an essential component of lipoprotein, the down-regulated expression of apoB gene by chitosan might contribute to the hypotriglyceridemic and hypocholesterolemic effects of chitosan. Ghrelin is a peptide hormone mainly produced by the stomach. Ghrelin is a potent stimulator of growth hormone secretion [45]. Moreover, it is the only
