Since the expected change in metabolic syndrome is an increase in triglycerides and decrease in HDL (secondary to decreased lipoprotein lipase activity at the adipose tissue and increased activity of cholesterol ester transfer protein, with an overproduction of VLDL by the liver, and reduced clearance), future studies are recommended to use the triglycerides:HDL ratio as a better variable to capture the effect of both. The gene discussed is LPL; the disease is metabolic syndrome.