58. Pharmacology - Pharmacology of Hyperlipidemia
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Which lipoproteins are primarily involved in conveying lipids into the artery wall during atherosclerosis?

  • Chylomicrons and HDL
  • Only VLDL and LDL
  • HDL and remnant chylomicrons
  • LDL, IDL, VLDL, and Lp(a) (correct)
  • What is the primary role of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) in lipid metabolism?

  • Clear excess lipids from the liver
  • Hydrolyze triglycerides in chylomicrons and VLDL (correct)
  • Transport cholesterol to arterial walls
  • Synthesize cholesteryl esters from LDL
  • Which of the following statements correctly describes the role of the PCSK9 protein in cholesterol regulation?

  • Promotes degradation of LDL receptors (correct)
  • Inhibits cholesterol synthesis in the liver
  • Enhances the excretion of bile acids
  • Increases LDL receptor levels on liver cells
  • Familial Hypercholesterolemia is mainly characterized by which of the following biological mechanisms?

    <p>Inability to clear LDL due to mutations in LDL receptors</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor is primarily responsible for the clearance of LDL from plasma?

    <p>Liver uptake through LDL receptors</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary clinical characteristic of heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia?

    <p>Cholesterol levels ranging from 260 to 400 mg/dL</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement correctly describes the function of the PCSK9 protein?

    <p>It binds to LDL-R and causes its degradation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common treatment option for normalizing LDL in heterozygous patients with familial hypercholesterolemia?

    <p>HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors or combination therapies</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which drug class directly inhibits the enzyme responsible for the rate-limiting step in cholesterol biosynthesis?

    <p>Statins</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do inactivating mutations in the PCSK9 gene affect cholesterol levels?

    <p>They increase LDL receptor levels.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the structural similarity that allows statins to inhibit HMG-CoA reductase?

    <p>They resemble mevalonic acid.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential consequence of elevated PCSK9 levels in an individual?

    <p>Elevated serum LDL cholesterol level</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What level of cholesterol is often seen in patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia?

    <p>500 to over 1000 mg/dL</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which process predominantly dictates the body’s cholesterol levels?

    <p>De novo synthesis of cholesterol</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect do HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors have on LDL receptors?

    <p>Enhance LDL receptor expression</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary role of PCSK9 in cholesterol metabolism?

    <p>To degrade LDL receptors</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Familial hypercholesterolemia is characterized by what genetic trait?

    <p>Autosomal dominant inheritance</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which mechanism is primarily responsible for regulating cholesterol biosynthesis in the liver?

    <p>Negative feedback from bile acids</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the overall impact of resins on serum cholesterol levels?

    <p>Lower serum cholesterol by improving LDL receptor activity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the body primarily excrete cholesterol?

    <p>Via bile acids</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which component is not involved in regulating serum cholesterol levels?

    <p>Fatty acid synthesis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does lovastatin function in cholesterol management?

    <p>By inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase activity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which lipoprotein's cellular uptake is mediated by LDL receptors?

    <p>LDL</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement accurately describes the role of hepatic LDL receptors (LDL-Rs) in cholesterol regulation?

    <p>LDL-Rs are involved in removing approximately 75% of LDL from plasma.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary mechanism by which statins lower plasma cholesterol levels?

    <p>Increased expression of hepatic LDL receptors.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does PCSK9 play in cholesterol metabolism?

    <p>It leads to increased degradation of LDL receptors.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which condition is characterized by high LDL levels due to genetic mutations in the LDL receptor?

    <p>Familial Hypercholesterolemia.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the effect of low levels of HDL on cardiovascular health?

    <p>It is an independent risk factor for atherosclerotic disease.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor directly affects the conversion of VLDL to LDL?

    <p>Hydrolysis of triglycerides by lipoprotein lipase.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of high-density lipoproteins (HDL) in the body?

    <p>To retrieve cholesterol from the artery wall and prevent oxidation of atherogenic lipoproteins.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What triggers the endocytosis of LDL by hepatic LDL receptors?

    <p>Interaction of LDL with apo B-100.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a consequence of decreased hepatic LDL receptor expression?

    <p>Increased levels of plasma LDL cholesterol.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary effect of statins on LDL cholesterol levels?

    <p>Increases LDL receptor expression</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements correctly describes the role of HMG-CoA reductase in cholesterol synthesis?

    <p>It produces mevalonate, a precursor to cholesterol.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor is NOT considered a major risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD)?

    <p>High HDL cholesterol levels</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the mechanism by which statins lead to LDL receptor up-regulation?

    <p>By inhibiting intracellular cholesterol synthesis, resulting in lower cholesterol levels.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In familial hypercholesterolemia, which genetic mutation is commonly implicated?

    <p>Mutation in LDL receptor</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does PCSK9 play in cholesterol metabolism?

    <p>It decreases LDL receptor levels on cell surfaces.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What BMI qualifies as obesity according to the provided guidelines?

    <p>BMI &gt; 25 kg/m2</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What LDL-C level is considered high, according to the content?

    <blockquote> <p>130 mg/dL</p> </blockquote> Signup and view all the answers

    What primary recommendation is given to patients to help manage high LDL-C levels?

    <p>Engage in physical exercise and a healthy diet</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Patients with an LDL-C level above which threshold should be recommended for statin therapy?

    <blockquote> <p>100 mg/dL</p> </blockquote> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Pharmacology of Hyperlipidemia

    • Learning Objectives:
      • Describe the role of LDL-C in cardiovascular disease (CVD).
      • Describe physiological mechanisms controlling serum cholesterol levels and identify pharmacological targets.
      • Explain how familial hypercholesterolemia informs CVD treatment.
      • Describe how statins reduce CVD risk.
      • Detail adverse reactions and drug interactions associated with statin treatment.
      • Describe other cholesterol-lowering medications' mechanisms and actions.

    Lecture Outline

    • Atherosclerosis and Cardiovascular Disease:

      • Lipid Hypothesis: Plasma lipids are transported in complexes called lipoproteins. Elevated levels of any lipoprotein are hyperlipoproteinemia/hyperlipidemia. High serum cholesterol leads to plaque buildup.
      • Importance of LDL-C and HDL-C in CVD: Lipoproteins (LDL, IDL, VLDL, Lp[a]) carry lipids into the artery wall. Remnant lipoproteins from chylomicrons can also contribute to atherosclerosis. Cellular components in atherosclerotic plaques include foam cells (macrophages) and smooth muscle cells filled with cholesteryl esters.
    • Control of Serum Cholesterol Levels:

      • Regulation of Cholesterol Biosynthesis: Dietary intake, synthesis, cellular uptake of LDL particles by LDL-Rs, and excretion of cholesterol via bile acids are key components. The liver is the primary site of cholesterol synthesis.
      • Mechanism of Statins: Statins directly impact cholesterol biosynthesis. Indirectly, they affect the upregulation of LDL-Rs. Statin use for secondary and primary CV disease prevention, along with effects on lipid profiles and statin-related adverse effects are noted.
      • Other Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs: Examples are noted (PCSK9 inhibitors, Ezetimibe, Bile acid sequestrants, Niacin, and Fibrates), and their mechanisms and clinical uses are discussed.
    • Familial Hypercholesterolemia and LDL-R:

      • Autosomal Dominant Trait: Mutations in the LDL-R gene cause non-functional / kinetically impaired LDL receptors, resulting in high serum cholesterol levels, especially in homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia.
      • PCSK9 Discovery: PCSK9 protein is another factor influencing LDL-R levels and CVD risk.
    • Statins:

      • Mechanisms: Competitive inhibitors of HMG-CoA reductase. Structural analogues of HMG-CoA. Some examples are Lovastatin and Simvastatin.
      • Clinical Use: lowering LDL-C and preventing CV events. Detailed explanation on risk factors (age, family history, smoking, hypertension, low HDL-C, high LDL-C, obesity, and Type 2 Diabetes) included.
    • Other Classes of Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs:

      • PCSK9 Inhibitors: Monoclonal antibodies raising LDL-R levels to lower LDL-C. Highly effective but costly.
      • Ezetimibe: Inhibits intestinal cholesterol absorption. Typically used in combination with statins.
      • Bile Acid Sequestrants: Insoluble, gel-like substances binding bile acids to increase LDL-R-mediated scavenging and lowering LDL-C.
      • Niacin: Often used to increase HDL-C and lower triglycerides and LDL-C, but side effects (flushing, GI problems) are common.
      • Fibrates: Mostly used to lower triglycerides, with variable effects on LDL-C and HDL-C. Usually combined with statins in cases of high triglycerides or high LDL-C, as combination therapy may increase the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis.
    • Statin Combination Therapies:

      • Summary and Recommendations for Treatment of Elevated LDL-C: Recommendations include lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, weight loss) and statin addition to address elevated LDL-C and to reduce risk of CVD.
      • Clinical Use: Detailed explanation on various therapies to combine statins, especially in cases where single therapy is insufficient or unsuitable, along with addressing risk factors.
    • Adverse Reactions:

      • Myopathy: Muscle weakness and pain, dose-dependent, usually reversible by dosage reduction or switching statins.
      • Rhabdomyolysis: Rare, potentially fatal muscle breakdown.
      • Type 2 Diabetes Risk: Possible increased blood glucose levels in some patients taking statins.
    • Drug Interactions:

      • Statins' metabolism by CYP3A4 is affected by drugs inhibiting/inducing CYP3A4, such as macrolide antibiotics, azole antifungals, HIV protease inhibitors, grapefruit juice, etc. Other drug interactions (e.g., with Gemfibrozol) are also covered.
    • Cognitive Problems: Anecdotal reports of memory problems, but placebo-controlled studies have shown no obvious cognitive effects.

    • HDL, Non-HDL, and Triglycerides Levels: Detailed classification based on normal ranges is provided.

    • Summary and Recommendations for Treatment of Low Levels of HDL-C: Recommendations stated; possible need for exercise, weight loss and lifestyle changes.

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    Description

    This quiz covers the pharmacology related to hyperlipidemia and its impact on cardiovascular disease. Learners will explore LDL-C roles, the physiological mechanisms of cholesterol control, and the effects of statins and other lipid-lowering medications. Understanding drug interactions and adverse effects will also be emphasized.

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