Targeting multiple pathways in cholesterol management

Abstract

There is a wide variation in plasma total cholesterol levels in populations that are genetically similar: these variations are driven by the environment. We absorb 40—50% of our cholesterol from the diet, and synthesise 50—60% in the liver. Cholesterol absorption inhibitors target the exogenous pathway of cholesterol absorption.

Agents that act on different pathways in cholesterol metabolism, such as statins and cholesterol absorption inhibitors, can be co-administered in an attempt to achieve complementary or synergistic effects on lipid control.