Which enzyme does Pravastatin Sodium inhibit to reduce cholesterol synthesis?

Pravastatin Sodium is a medication that belongs to the class of drugs known as statins, which are primarily used to manage cholesterol levels in individuals at risk of cardiovascular disease. The mechanism by which statins lower cholesterol involves the inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase, a key enzyme in the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway.

HMG-CoA reductase catalyzes the conversion of HMG-CoA to mevalonate, which is an early and rate-limiting step in the cholesterol synthesis pathway in the liver. By inhibiting this enzyme, Pravastatin effectively decreases the production of cholesterol, leading to a reduction in total serum cholesterol levels and, importantly, a decrease in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, which is often referred to as "bad cholesterol."

This reduction in cholesterol synthesis is particularly beneficial for patients with hyperlipidemia and those at risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases, as it helps in preventing the development of plaque in the arteries.

The other enzymes listed do not play a direct role in cholesterol synthesis. Aromatase is involved in the conversion of androgens to estrogens, thromboxane synthase is linked to the synthesis of thromboxanes involved in platelet function