What is the primary mechanism of action of statins?

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Multiple Choice

What is the primary mechanism of action of statins?

Statins lower LDL cholesterol mainly by blocking HMG-CoA reductase, the enzyme that drives the rate-limiting step of cholesterol synthesis in the liver. When this enzyme is inhibited, hepatic cholesterol content falls, which triggers upregulation of LDL receptors on hepatocytes. More LDL receptors mean the liver clears more LDL from the blood, producing a lower plasma LDL-C. This combination—reduced cholesterol synthesis and increased LDL receptor–mediated clearance—best explains the effect. Other ideas like increasing intestinal cholesterol absorption or blocking CETP describe different drug actions and do not capture how statins reduce LDL-C.

Statins lower LDL cholesterol mainly by blocking HMG-CoA reductase, the enzyme that drives the rate-limiting step of cholesterol synthesis in the liver. When this enzyme is inhibited, hepatic cholesterol content falls, which triggers upregulation of LDL receptors on hepatocytes. More LDL receptors mean the liver clears more LDL from the blood, producing a lower plasma LDL-C. This combination—reduced cholesterol synthesis and increased LDL receptor–mediated clearance—best explains the effect. Other ideas like increasing intestinal cholesterol absorption or blocking CETP describe different drug actions and do not capture how statins reduce LDL-C.

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