Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMG-CoA reductase) catalyzes the rate-limiting step in cholesterol synthesis, in which HMG-CoA (formed from 3 acetyl-CoA molecules) is reduced to mevalonic acid, using 2 NADPH. Lovastatin and pravastatin reduce cholesterol synthesis and lower serum cholesterol levels by inhibiting this enzyme. Lovastatin is metabolized by the CYP3A isoform of cytochrome P450. In contrast, gemfibrozil and clofibrate lower cholesterol by increasing the activity of lipoprotein lipase, which is produced by the endothelial cells of the vasculature of adipose and muscle tissue. Acetyl-CoA carboxylase catalyzes the first step in fatty acid synthesis. Carbamoyl phosphate synthetase catalyzes the rate-limiting step in urea synthesis. Pyruvate dehydrogenase catalyzes the transition step between glycolysis and the TCA (Krebs) cycle. Ref: Botham K.M., Mayes P.A. (2011). Chapter 26. Cholesterol Synthesis, Transpo, & Excretion. In D.A. Bender, K.M. Botham, P.A. Weil, P.J. Kennelly, R.K. Murray, V.W. Rodwell (Eds), Harper's Illustrated Biochemistry, 29e.