Lipid metabolism: fibrates and PPAR-alpha: practice question

A Biochemistry 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

Biochemistry · Lipid metabolism: fibrates and PPAR-alpha

Sample item

A man with triglycerides of 800 mg/dL and low HDL cholesterol is started on fenofibrate. Which receptor does the drug activate to lower triglycerides?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha

Fibrates activate PPAR-alpha, which increases lipoprotein lipase expression and fatty acid oxidation and reduces apolipoprotein C-III, so triglyceride-rich lipoproteins are cleared faster. HDL rises modestly. Thiazolidinediones act through PPAR-gamma.

Option by option

  • A. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (correct)

    Correct. PPAR-alpha activation increases lipoprotein lipase and fatty acid oxidation and lowers triglycerides.

  • B. Farnesoid X receptor

    Farnesoid X receptor is activated by bile acids and regulates bile acid synthesis, not the fibrate target.

  • C. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma

    PPAR-gamma is the target of thiazolidinediones and mainly improves insulin sensitivity.

  • D. Liver X receptor

    Liver X receptor responds to oxysterols and regulates cholesterol efflux, but it is not the fibrate target.

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.

More Biochemistry questions

Questions about this Biochemistry question

What is the answer to this Biochemistry question?

The best answer is A, Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha. Fibrates activate PPAR-alpha, which increases lipoprotein lipase expression and fatty acid oxidation and reduces apolipoprotein C-III, so triglyceride-rich lipoproteins are cleared faster.

Why is "Farnesoid X receptor" not the answer?

Farnesoid X receptor is activated by bile acids and regulates bile acid synthesis, not the fibrate target.

Why is "Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma" not the answer?

PPAR-gamma is the target of thiazolidinediones and mainly improves insulin sensitivity.

Why is "Liver X receptor" not the answer?

Liver X receptor responds to oxysterols and regulates cholesterol efflux, but it is not the fibrate target.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Lipid metabolism: fibrates and PPAR-alpha in Biochemistry. HDL rises modestly. Thiazolidinediones act through PPAR-gamma.

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 metabolism: fibrates and PPAR-alpha?

Build one table of enzyme deficiency, disease, inheritance and key finding, then revise it by spaced recall. Then use the flashcards and the other Biochemistry 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.