fig2

Figure 2. A simplified representation of the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway. A simplified representation of the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway. The process begins with acetyl-CoA. Subsequent reactions involve the union of acetyl-CoA and acetoacetyl-CoA, resulting in the formation of HMG-CoA. HMGCR then facilitates the reduction of HMG-CoA, resulting in the production of mevalonate and then squalene, which ultimately leads to the production of cholesterol. HMGCR is the rate-limiting enzyme in the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway. SQLE plays a critical role in the mevalonate-cholesterol pathway. Statins inhibit HMGCR, preventing the synthesis of mevalonate and cholesterol. HMGCR: 3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase; SQLE: squalene epoxidase.