NCIt definition : A synthetic lipid-lowering agent. Atorvastatin competitively inhibits hepatic hydroxymethyl-glutaryl
coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, the enzyme which catalyzes the conversion of HMG-CoA
to mevalonate, a key step in cholesterol synthesis. Atorvastatin also increases the
number of LDL receptors on hepatic cell surfaces to enhance uptake and catabolism
of LDL and reduces LDL production and the number of LDL particles. This agent lowers
plasma cholesterol and lipoprotein levels and modulates immune responses by suppressing
MHC II (major histocompatibility complex II) on interferon gamma-stimulated, antigen-presenting
cells such as human vascular endothelial cells. (NCI04);
Alternative definition : NCI-GLOSS: The active ingredient in a drug used to lower the amount of cholesterol
in the blood and to prevent stroke, heart attack, and angina (chest pain). It is also
being studied in the prevention and treatment of some types of cancer and other conditions.
Atorvastatin blocks an enzyme that helps make cholesterol in the body. It also causes
an increase in the breakdown of cholesterol. It is a type of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor
and a type of statin.;