Answer:
Option D, statins
Option E, bile acid sequestrants
Explanation:
Statins lower the cholesterol by inhibiting the pathway of an enzyme known as HMG-CoA reductase from being able to synthesize cholesterol. Further, these medications encourage the reuptake of low density lipoproteins (LDL) from the bloodstream, which is often called the "bad cholesterol," by the liver where it can then be repurposed as bile salts and byproducts. Two examples of statin medications are atorvastatin (brand name Lipitor) and simvastatin (brand names FloLipid and Zocor).
Bile acid sequestrants lower the cholesterol by decreasing the amount of bile acid in the enterohepatic circulation that can be absorbed by and reabsorbed within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Bile acids can be synthesized from cholesterol; because of this, if the body senses lower levels of bile acids, it will convert cholesterol, specifically the aforementioned LDL cholesterol, into these acids to maintain homeostasis. This, therefore, lowers cholesterol levels. The bile acid is then excreted as fecal matter (poop). An example of a bile acid sequestrant medication is cholestyramine (brand name Prevalite).
Of the given medications, the ones that lower cholesterol are statins and bile acid sequestrants, options D and E.
Why Not Other Choices:
ACE inhibitors (e.g. lisinopril, brand name Prinivil) and diuretics (e.g. furosemide, brand name Lasix) are commonly used as antihypertensive medications that lower blood pressure.
Nitroglycerin reduces blood pressure and treats chest pain.
