The class of drugs called statins have proved very effective against hypercholesterolemia, a major cause of atherosclerosis and associated cardiovascular disease. These drugs reduce plasma cholesterol levels by:
A.
Preventing absorption of cholesterol from the intestine.
B.
Increasing the excretion of cholesterol from the body via conversion to bile acids.
C.
Inhibiting the conversion of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA to mevalonate in the pathway for cholesterol biosynthesis.
D.
Increasing the rate of degradation of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl CoA reductase.
E.
Stimulating the activity of the LDL receptor in the liver.