How does lomitapide influence lipid metabolism?-May 2024-www.zdask.com

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Definition: How does lomitapide influence lipid metabolism?

Lomitapide is a medication that is used to treat a rare genetic disorder called homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH). HoFH is characterized by extremely high levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in the blood, which can lead to early-onset cardiovascular disease.

Lomitapide works by inhibiting the microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP), which is responsible for the assembly and secretion of lipoproteins, including LDL-C, in the liver and intestines. By inhibiting MTP, lomitapide reduces the production and release of LDL-C into the bloodstream.

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Additionally, lomitapide increases the expression of LDL receptors on the surface of liver cells. LDL receptors are responsible for removing LDL-C from the blood by binding to it and internalizing it into the liver cells. By increasing the number of LDL receptors, lomitapide enhances the clearance of LDL-C from the bloodstream.

Overall, lomitapide influences lipid metabolism by reducing the production and release of LDL-C and increasing its clearance from the blood. This helps to lower LDL-C levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications in individuals with HoFH.

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Keywords: lomitapide, receptors, metabolism, levels, cardiovascular, inhibiting, responsible, production, release