What is the main MOA of statin cholesterol medications?

What is the main MOA of statin cholesterol medications?

• A. Inhibit HMG CoA reductase
• B. Inhibit cholesterol absorption
• C. Increase LDL receptor expression
• D. Activate PPARs

Answer: (A)

Statins inhibit HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme in the liver’s cholesterol synthesis pathway. By competitively blocking this step, they reduce hepatic cholesterol production. In response, liver cells upregulate LDL receptors to take in more LDL cholesterol from the blood, which lowers circulating LDL-C. The upregulation of LDL receptors is an important downstream effect that amplifies the LDL lowering. In contrast, inhibiting cholesterol absorption is the action of ezetimibe, and activating PPARs is how fibrates work.

Statins inhibit HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme in the liver’s cholesterol synthesis pathway. By competitively blocking this step, they reduce hepatic cholesterol production. In response, liver cells upregulate LDL receptors to take in more LDL cholesterol from the blood, which lowers circulating LDL-C. The upregulation of LDL receptors is an important downstream effect that amplifies the LDL lowering. In contrast, inhibiting cholesterol absorption is the action of ezetimibe, and activating PPARs is how fibrates work.