Nicotinic acid (vitamin B3) has which reported effect on LDL cholesterol?

Prepare for the Rasmussen Pharmacology Exam 3. This quiz includes multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations. Review essential pharmacological concepts and get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Nicotinic acid (vitamin B3) has which reported effect on LDL cholesterol?

Explanation:
Nicotinic acid lowers LDL by decreasing hepatic VLDL production. It does this mainly by inhibiting lipolysis in adipose tissue (reducing free fatty acids delivered to the liver), which lowers the liver’s substrate for VLDL synthesis. With less VLDL available, there’s less LDL formed, so LDL cholesterol falls. At the same time, niacin markedly raises HDL and lowers triglycerides, but its effect on LDL is typically modest compared to other therapies.

Nicotinic acid lowers LDL by decreasing hepatic VLDL production. It does this mainly by inhibiting lipolysis in adipose tissue (reducing free fatty acids delivered to the liver), which lowers the liver’s substrate for VLDL synthesis. With less VLDL available, there’s less LDL formed, so LDL cholesterol falls. At the same time, niacin markedly raises HDL and lowers triglycerides, but its effect on LDL is typically modest compared to other therapies.

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