Individuals who have elevated levels of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) in their
ID: 218663 • Letter: I
Question
Individuals who have elevated levels of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) in their serum can be treated in a number of ways. These include restriction of dietary intake of cholesterol, ingestion of positively charged resin polymers that inhibit intestinal reabsorption of bile salts, and administration of lovastatin, a competitive inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl CoA reductase. A) Briefly explain how each of these treatments reduces serum LDL levels. B) Why should none of these treatments be used for patients who are homozygous for a defect in LDL receptors?
Explanation / Answer
A:- positively charged resin polymers are example of Bile acid sequestrants or hypolipidemic agents that prevent reabsorption of bile acids in gut there by lowering cholesterol level in in the blood. In this mechanism anion exchange chloride and bile occurs the liver than takes more cholesterol from blood to make bile thereby reducing serum LDL levels.lovastatin, a type statin drug is a competitive inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl CoA reductase. This enzyme converts HMG-CoA to movalonate which building block for the synthesis of cholesterol. The lavostatin is reversible competitive inhibitor of HMG-CoA reductase key enzyme in cholesterol biosynthesis.patients who are homozygous for a defect in LDL receptors cannot respond to these treatments due mutation in both alleles of the gene encoding for receptors, some high doses of statin may reduce the level of ldl but lest effective.The disease is called familial hyper cholesterolemia a genetic disorder.