Question

Which drug inhibits the intestinal absorption of cholesterol? (A) colesevelam (B) fenofibrate (C) ezetimibe (D) colestipol (E) niacin

Short answer

The drug that inhibits the intestinal absorption of cholesterol is (C) ezetimibe.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Function

The question asks for a drug that specifically inhibits the intestinal absorption of cholesterol, not necessarily lowering it by binding bile acids or by other pathways. This should direct our focus towards drugs that work at the level of the intestinal lining.

Review Each Option

We review each drug's mechanism: - Colesevelam and colestipol are bile acid sequestrants, which work by binding bile acids and are not primarily for inhibiting cholesterol absorption itself. - Fenofibrate is a fibric acid derivative used to lower triglycerides and is not focused on cholesterol absorption inhibition. - Niacin works primarily by affecting lipid levels in the liver and reducing triglycerides, not by inhibiting cholesterol absorption. - Ezetimibe works by blocking a specific transporter in the small intestine responsible for absorbing cholesterol, directly inhibiting its absorption.

Identify the Correct Mechanism

Among the options, Ezetimibe stands out because it is specifically known for its role in inhibiting the intestinal absorption of cholesterol, making it the correct choice for this particular question.

Key concepts

Intestinal Cholesterol Absorption

Cholesterol is a vital component of cell membranes and a precursor for important molecules like hormones. However, too much cholesterol in the blood can lead to health problems, including heart disease.
To maintain healthy levels, our bodies rely on intestinal cholesterol absorption. This process occurs in the small intestine, where dietary and bile-excreted cholesterol is absorbed into the bloodstream.
Cholesterol absorption is complex and involves several steps:

• Cholesterol in food is mixed with bile, making it easier for the intestinal cells to absorb.
• Transporter proteins on the brush border of intestinal cells facilitate cholesterol uptake.
• Once inside the cells, cholesterol is packaged into chylomicrons and transported to other parts of the body.

A vital element here is balancing cholesterol levels to prevent buildup. That's where cholesterol-lowering interventions, like certain medications, come into play.

Ezetimibe Mechanism

Ezetimibe is a medication that specifically targets and inhibits the absorption of cholesterol in the small intestine.
This drug works by blocking the Niemann-Pick C1-Like 1 (NPC1L1) protein, a transporter responsible for cholesterol uptake at the intestinal wall.
Here's how ezetimibe effectively decreases cholesterol levels:

• By inhibiting NPC1L1, it reduces the amount of cholesterol entering the bloodstream from the intestine.
• It leads to decreased entry of cholesterol into the liver, prompting the liver to take up more cholesterol from the circulation.
• The overall result is a reduction in cholesterol levels, especially Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL), often referred to as "bad cholesterol."

Ezetimibe is often used in combination with other cholesterol-lowering drugs for an enhanced effect.

Bile Acid Sequestrants

Bile acid sequestrants are a class of drugs used to help lower cholesterol levels, but they work differently from ezetimibe.
Examples of these drugs include colesevelam and colestipol. While they don't directly inhibit cholesterol absorption, they have a unique mechanism of action:

• They bind to bile acids in the intestine, preventing them from being reabsorbed back into the bloodstream.
• This forces the liver to use more cholesterol to produce new bile acids, helping to reduce cholesterol levels in the blood.
• Although primarily acting on bile acids, they indirectly promote cholesterol clearance from the bloodstream.

Because they don't affect cholesterol absorption at the intestinal lining like ezetimibe, they're not the top choice for direct cholesterol absorption inhibition.

Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs

A variety of cholesterol-lowering drugs exist, each targeting different pathways in the cholesterol management process.
Understanding these pathways is essential for choosing the right treatment based on individual needs and health profiles.

• Statins: Inhibit an enzyme in the liver crucial for cholesterol production, thus reducing overall levels.
• Fibric Acid Derivatives: Mainly affect triglycerides, with some impact on raising good cholesterol (HDL).
• Niacin: Lowers LDL and triglycerides but is less focused on cholesterol absorption.
• Ezetimibe: Direct and specific action on intestinal cholesterol uptake.

Each of these drugs may be used alone or in combination to achieve the desired cholesterol profile. It allows for tailored approaches, ensuring optimal health outcomes.