Objective To study the relationship among Taq IB restricted fragment length polymorphism in the first intron of the cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) gene, lipid profile and CETP mass, We compared the therapeutic effect of simvastatin in different Taq IB genotype patients. Methods CETP-Taq IB genotypes of 63 subjects by means of polymerase chain reaction and restricted fragment length polymorphism were tested. The levels of lipid profile in different genotype patients before and after simvastatin therapy were compared. Results B1 homozygotes had lower HDL-C levels than B2 carriers did. The HDL-C were 49.29±13.22, 42.57±8.86 mg-d-1, respectively.The Bl homozygote was more sensitive to simvastatin therapy and the change of TC and LDL-C in BIB 1 was more significant than that in B2 carriers.TC were 62.41 ±31.16,30.35±7.80 mg-d-1, LDL-C were 52.29±9.51,23.06± 25.22)mg.d-1, respectively. Conclusion CETP-Taq IB variant was a significant determinant of HDL-C level. Taq IB polymorphism may be a useful predictor of therapeutic effects of simvastatin.