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Question #46526
The Question
Statins, produced by the yeast Monascus purpureus, are widely used as blood cholesterol-lowering agents. Clinical observations often reveal that patients on statins exhibit a reduced severity of allergic reactions. Which of the following mechanisms best explains this pleiotropic anti-inflammatory effect on mast cells?
Options
- A.
They competitively inhibit HMG-CoA reductase, reducing isoprenoid intermediates necessary for the prenylation of vesicular transport proteins, thereby impairing histamine exocytosis.
- B.
They directly block the IgE-binding Fc receptors on the mast cell membrane, preventing allergen-induced cross-linking and subsequent degranulation.
- C.
They inhibit the enzyme histidine decarboxylase, leading to a complete cessation of histamine and serotonin synthesis within the mast cell granules.
- D.
They lower systemic cholesterol levels, which directly alters the phospholipid bilayer of mast cells, causing an inability to synthesize secondary mediators like prostaglandins.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Regulatory_Failure
Understand how NOT, EXCEPT, and logical constraints are used to manipulate exam results.
Concepts Behind This Question
Histamine|Mast_Cells|Statins|Prostaglandins
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Integrating metabolic pathways with immune signaling.
Students typically memorize statins solely as cholesterol-lowering agents (Microbes in Human Welfare) and histamine as an allergy mediator (Human Health and Disease).
The trap lies in assuming statins must directly interact with immune receptors (Option B) or allergy-specific enzymes (Option C).
The correct logic requires understanding that inhibiting a foundational metabolic pathway (mevalonate) deprives the cell of intermediates required for basic vesicular trafficking, thereby bridging cardiovascular pharmacology with immunology.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Human Health and Disease - Class 12 |
| Concept | Allergy Mechanism |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |