Lipid-lowering drugs: PCSK9 inhibitors: practice question

A Pharmacology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

Try it

Pharmacology · Lipid-lowering drugs: PCSK9 inhibitors

Sample item

How do monoclonal antibodies against PCSK9 lower plasma LDL cholesterol?

AThey activate lipoprotein lipaseBThey bind bile acids in the colonCThey inhibit hepatic HMG-CoA reductase directlyDThey prevent LDL-receptor degradation in hepatocytes

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. They prevent LDL-receptor degradation in hepatocytes

PCSK9 normally promotes lysosomal degradation of LDL receptors. Its inhibition increases receptor recycling and hepatic clearance of circulating LDL.

Option by option

A. They activate lipoprotein lipase
Lipoprotein lipase activation chiefly affects triglyceride-rich particles.
B. They bind bile acids in the colon
Bile-acid sequestrants act in the intestinal lumen.
C. They inhibit hepatic HMG-CoA reductase directly
Statins inhibit HMG-CoA reductase.
D. They prevent LDL-receptor degradation in hepatocytes (correct)
Correct. More surface LDL receptors means more LDL removed from blood.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

Questions about this Pharmacology question

What is the answer to this Pharmacology question?

The best answer is D, They prevent LDL-receptor degradation in hepatocytes. PCSK9 normally promotes lysosomal degradation of LDL receptors.

Why is "They activate lipoprotein lipase" not the answer?

Lipoprotein lipase activation chiefly affects triglyceride-rich particles.

Why is "They bind bile acids in the colon" not the answer?

Bile-acid sequestrants act in the intestinal lumen.

Why is "They inhibit hepatic HMG-CoA reductase directly" not the answer?

Statins inhibit HMG-CoA reductase.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Lipid-lowering drugs: PCSK9 inhibitors in Pharmacology. Its inhibition increases receptor recycling and hepatic clearance of circulating LDL.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Lipid-lowering drugs: PCSK9 inhibitors?

Learn drugs as classes, then the exception in each class that an examiner would pick. Then use the flashcards and the other Pharmacology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.