CD36 and metabolic syndrome: In addition, B6 mice that received ezetimibe treatment presented lower Cd36 gene expression in the liver, suggesting ezetimibe may ameliorate hepatic insulin resistance in addition to dyslipidemia and hepatic steatosis, in part via a pathway involving Cd36. Furthermore, the protein level of SKP2, a therapeutic target for NAFLD-related HCC, was reduced by ezetimibe administration.