What key effect do statins have on LDL receptors?

Statins are lipid-lowering medications primarily used to manage hyperlipidemia and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. Their main mechanism of action involves the inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol synthesis in the liver.

When cholesterol production in the liver is inhibited by statins, this leads to a decrease in the intracellular cholesterol levels. The body responds to this decline by increasing the expression of LDL receptors on the surface of liver cells. The enhanced availability of LDL receptors facilitates the uptake of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) particles from the bloodstream, resulting in lower levels of circulating LDL cholesterol.

Thus, the key effect of statins on LDL receptors is an increase in their density, promoting improved clearance of LDL from the plasma. This mechanism is crucial for their cholesterol-lowering effects, contributing to cardiovascular protection over time.