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These studies suggest the names of cholesterol medications include statins, berberine, mipomersen, ETC-1002, ezetimibe, tamoxifen, and toremifene.
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Statins are the most widely used class of cholesterol-lowering medications. They work by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which plays a crucial role in the production of cholesterol in the liver. Common statins include simvastatin, atorvastatin, and others . Statins are highly effective in reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and have been shown to significantly lower the risk of cardiovascular events .
A new class of cholesterol-lowering drugs involves oligonucleotide therapeutics, specifically small interfering RNA (siRNA) molecules. These drugs work by destroying RNA before it can be used to produce proteins, thereby reducing cholesterol levels.
Berberine, a compound derived from a Chinese herb, has been identified as a novel cholesterol-lowering agent. It reduces serum cholesterol and LDL-C by upregulating LDL receptor expression through a unique mechanism that stabilizes LDLR mRNA.
Mipomersen is an antisense inhibitor of apolipoprotein B synthesis, used particularly for patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. It has been shown to significantly reduce LDL-C levels in these patients, who often do not respond adequately to traditional lipid-lowering therapies.
ETC-1002 is another emerging drug that has shown promise in lowering LDL-C levels. It can be used alone or in combination with ezetimibe, another cholesterol-lowering medication, and is particularly beneficial for patients who are intolerant to statins.
Ezetimibe works by inhibiting the absorption of cholesterol in the small intestine. It is often used in combination with statins to achieve greater reductions in LDL-C levels.
Tamoxifen and toremifene, primarily used as antiestrogens in breast cancer treatment, have also been found to lower LDL-C levels. They inhibit the conversion of delta 8-cholestenol to lathosterol, thereby reducing cholesterol synthesis.
The landscape of cholesterol-lowering medications is diverse, ranging from widely used statins to emerging therapies like oligonucleotide therapeutics and berberine. Each class of medication offers unique mechanisms of action and benefits, providing multiple options for managing high cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
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