Statins lower cholesterol by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase (3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A reductase). This enzyme is crucial for an early, rate-limiting step in liver cholesterol biosynthesis. Statins block this enzyme, reducing intracellular cholesterol synthesis. This leads to an increase in LDL receptors, thus enhancing LDL removal from the blood.
Option (a) Lipase degrades lipids but does not participate in cholesterol synthesis.
Option (c) Amylase aids in carbohydrate digestion.
Option (d) Pepsin digests proteins in the stomach.
Only option (b) is relevant to cholesterol synthesis, thus identifying it as the correct choice.