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Multiple Choice

What is the mechanism of action of omega-3 ethyl esters?

Omega-3 ethyl esters lower triglycerides mainly by dampening the liver’s production and secretion of VLDL triglycerides and by promoting the removal of TG-rich particles from the blood. They reduce hepatic VLDL-TG synthesis and release, and they enhance clearance of TG via increased lipoprotein lipase activity, which hydrolyzes triglycerides on circulating VLDL and chylomicrons. This combination directly lowers circulating triglycerides, which is the primary goal of this therapy. They don’t inhibit HMG-CoA reductase (that’s the statin mechanism) and they don’t inhibit LDL receptor activity, so actions that would reduce LDL receptor function or directly lower LDL-C are not how these agents work.

Omega-3 ethyl esters lower triglycerides mainly by dampening the liver’s production and secretion of VLDL triglycerides and by promoting the removal of TG-rich particles from the blood. They reduce hepatic VLDL-TG synthesis and release, and they enhance clearance of TG via increased lipoprotein lipase activity, which hydrolyzes triglycerides on circulating VLDL and chylomicrons. This combination directly lowers circulating triglycerides, which is the primary goal of this therapy. They don’t inhibit HMG-CoA reductase (that’s the statin mechanism) and they don’t inhibit LDL receptor activity, so actions that would reduce LDL receptor function or directly lower LDL-C are not how these agents work.