Drug which blocks intestinal absorption of cholesterol

Drug which blocks intestinal absorption of cholesterol: a) Atorvastatin b) Gemfibrozil c) Ezetimibe d) Rosuvastatin Correct answer: c) Ezetimibe Ezetimibe acts by selectively blocking the uptake of  cholesterol and other sterols by intestinal epithelial cells. The action is on Niemann-Pick C1-like 1 (NPC1L1) cholesterol uptake receptors. Interestingly, it has been recently shown that NPC1L1 expression is necessary for HCV (hepatitis C virus) infection. Ezetimibe can block the entry of HCV into the cell, in experimental situations. Clinical effect on this aspect has to be further studied [Sainz B Jr et al. Identification of the Niemann-Pick C1-like 1 cholesterol absorption receptor as a new hepatitis C virus entry factor. Nat Med. 2012 Jan 8;18(2):281-5]
Source: Cardiophile MD - Category: Cardiology Authors: Tags: Cardiology MCQ DM / DNB Cardiology Entrance Niemann-Pick C1-like 1 receptor NPC1L1 Source Type: blogs