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Multiple Choice

PCSK9 inhibitors work by which mechanism?

PCSK9 inhibitors lower LDL cholesterol by preserving LDL receptors on liver cells. Normally PCSK9 binds to LDL receptors and targets them for degradation, reducing how many receptors are available to grab LDL particles from the blood. When PCSK9 is inhibited, more LDL receptors remain on the surface of hepatocytes, so more LDL is cleared from the circulation, lowering LDL cholesterol levels. Inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase is how statins work, increasing PCSK9 activity would actually reduce receptor numbers, and blocking intestinal cholesterol absorption describes ezetimibe.

PCSK9 inhibitors lower LDL cholesterol by preserving LDL receptors on liver cells. Normally PCSK9 binds to LDL receptors and targets them for degradation, reducing how many receptors are available to grab LDL particles from the blood. When PCSK9 is inhibited, more LDL receptors remain on the surface of hepatocytes, so more LDL is cleared from the circulation, lowering LDL cholesterol levels. Inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase is how statins work, increasing PCSK9 activity would actually reduce receptor numbers, and blocking intestinal cholesterol absorption describes ezetimibe.