Lipid lowering drugs

Question 1

Statins
1) Name a statin
2) How do they work?

Answer 1

1) Simvastatin, atorvastatin, fluvastatin
2) Block the HMG CoA reductase enzyme in the liver. This enzyme is the rate limiting step of cholesterol formation; therefore inhibition of this enzyme decreases cholesterol formation. This improves the function of the endothelium, reducing inflammation, reduced the risk of blood clots and makes plaques less likely to rupture or break away

Question 2

Others
1) Name a PCSK inhibitor
2) How do they work?
3) Name a fibrate
4) How do they work?

Answer 2

1) Alirocumab, evolocumab
2) Monoclonal antibodies that bind to PCSK9, which has the downstream effect of lowering LDL levels
3) Gemfibrozil, fenofibrate
4) Stimulate β oxidation of fatty acids therefore lower plasma levels of fatty acids and triacylglycerol