QuestionSBA
QuestionChoice
This describes the mechanism of action of ezetimibe, another cholesterol-lowering drug. Ezetimibe works by blocking the NPC1L1 protein, stopping the absorption of cholesterol across the gut wall. The first line cholesterol-lowering drug is a statin. This drug class works by inhibiting the HMG-CoA reductase enzyme. This decreases the synthesis of cholesterol causing an upregulation in LDL receptor expression which moves more LDL into cells and thus lowers the level of circulating LDL.
10003947
b
Inhibits absorption of cholesterol across the gut wall
QuestionChoice
This describes the mechanism of action of fibrates, another group of cholesterol-lowering drugs. Activation of the PPARα transcription factor by fibrates increases the transcription of genes for lipoprotein lipase, apo-A1 and apo-A5. The first line cholesterol-lowering drug is a statin. This drug class works by inhibiting the HMG-CoA reductase enzyme. This decreases the synthesis of cholesterol causing an upregulation in LDL receptor expression which moves more LDL into cells and thus lowers the level of circulating LDL.
10003948
c
Activates nuclear transcription factor PPARα
QuestionChoice
This describes the mechanism of action of PCSK-9 inhibitors, such as alirocumab. These are monoclonal antibodies against the PCSK-9 protein on the LDL receptor. Normally PCSK-9 breaks down the LDL receptor; inhibiting PCSK-9 allows LDL receptors to be reused by the cell, thus increasing the uptake of LDL from the blood. The first line cholesterol-lowering drug is a statin. This drug class works by inhibiting the HMG-CoA reductase enzyme. This decreases the synthesis of cholesterol causing an upregulation in LDL receptor expression which moves more LDL into cells and thus lowers the level of circulating LDL.
10003949
d
Inhibits PCSK-9 protein
QuestionChoice
The first-line cholesterol-lowering drug is a statin. This drug class works by inhibiting the HMG-CoA reductase enzyme. This decreases the synthesis of cholesterol causing an upregulation in LDL receptor expression which moves more LDL into cells and thus lowers the level of circulating LDL.
10003946
a
Inhibits HMG-CoA reductase
QuestionChoice
This describes the mechanism of action of bempedoic acid, another cholesterol-lowering medication. The first line cholesterol-lowering drug is a statin. This drug class works by inhibiting the HMG-CoA reductase enzyme. This decreases the synthesis of cholesterol causing an upregulation in LDL receptor expression which moves more LDL into cells and thus lowers the level of circulating LDL.
10003950
e
Inhibits cholesterol synthesis in the liver
Concept
Chapter
2693
4116
Statins
Topic
169
Cardiovascular pharmacology
13336
A 33-year-old attends her GP after she noticed a white ring on the outer edge of her cornea. When questioned, she tells the GP her father died aged 42 from a "heart problem". The GP suspects familial hypercholesterolaemia and refers her to the lipid clinic. The GP starts the patient on some medication while waiting for the appointment.

What is the mechanism of action of the first-line cholesterol-lowering medication?
a