Definition of Lovastatin
1. Noun. An oral drug (trade name Mevacor) to reduce blood cholesterol levels; used when dietary changes have proved inadequate.
Definition of Lovastatin
1. [n -S]
Medical Definition of Lovastatin
1.
A fungal metabolite isolated from cultures of aspergillus terreus. The compound is a potent anticholesteraemic agent. It inhibits 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme a reductase (hydroxymethylglutaryl CoA reductases), which is the rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol biosynthesis. It also stimulates the production of low-density lipoprotein receptors in the liver. Several studies have shown that because of its enzyme inhibitory activity it acts as an antineoplastic agent for certain tumours.
Pharmacological action: anticholesteraemic agents, antineoplastic agent, hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA reductase inhibitors.
Chemical name: Butanoic acid, 2-methyl-, 1,2,3,7,8,8a-hexahydro-3,7-dimethyl-8-(2-(tetrahydro-4-hydroxy-6-oxo-2H-pyran-2-yl)ethyl)-1-naphthalenyl ester, (1S-(1alpha(R*),3alpha,7beta,8beta(2S*,4S*),8abeta))-
(12 Dec 1998)
Lexicographical Neighbors of Lovastatin
Other Resources:
