What is the mechanism of action of statins?

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Multiple Choice

What is the mechanism of action of statins?

Statins inhibit HMG-CoA reductase, blocking the rate-limiting step in hepatic cholesterol synthesis. By preventing conversion of HMG-CoA to mevalonate, hepatic cholesterol falls and the liver responds by upregulating LDL receptors, which increases clearance of LDL cholesterol from the blood and lowers plasma LDL-C. They can also modestly reduce VLDL production, contributing to triglyceride lowering. These drugs are competitive inhibitors that act predominantly in the liver due to hepatic uptake. For comparison, the mechanism described here differs from blocking ATP synthase, which would be a non-specific energy-blocking action; inhibiting intestinal cholesterol absorption is how ezetimibe works; and activating PPAR-alpha is the action of fibrates.

Statins inhibit HMG-CoA reductase, blocking the rate-limiting step in hepatic cholesterol synthesis. By preventing conversion of HMG-CoA to mevalonate, hepatic cholesterol falls and the liver responds by upregulating LDL receptors, which increases clearance of LDL cholesterol from the blood and lowers plasma LDL-C. They can also modestly reduce VLDL production, contributing to triglyceride lowering. These drugs are competitive inhibitors that act predominantly in the liver due to hepatic uptake. For comparison, the mechanism described here differs from blocking ATP synthase, which would be a non-specific energy-blocking action; inhibiting intestinal cholesterol absorption is how ezetimibe works; and activating PPAR-alpha is the action of fibrates.

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