The Sound of Evolution
Lovastatin
Mechanism of action:
Lovastatin is an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor. Lovastatin binds to HMG-CoA reductase and inhibits the conversion of HMG-CoA to mevalonate, thereby reducing cholesterol synthesis in the liver. As intracellular cholesterol levels in hepatocytes decline, hepatic LDL receptor expression is upregulated, which enhances the uptake and breakdown of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) from the bloodstream. As a result, plasma LDL-C, total cholesterol, very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), and triglyceride levels may decrease, while high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) may increase slightly.
Reference(s):
1. Boruta T et al. (2017). Production of lovastatin and itaconic acid by Aspergillus terreus: a comparative perspective. World J Microbiol Biotechnol.
2. Alberts AW et al. (1980). Mevinolin: a highly potent competitive inhibitor of hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase and a cholesterol-lowering agent. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A.
3. Endo A et al. (2004). The origin of the statins. Atheroscler Suppl.