Question

Enzyme commonly targeted by drugs to treat hypertension is:

• A. Cyclooxygenase (COX)
• B. HMG-CoA reductase
• C. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)
• D. Monoamine oxidase (MAO)

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

The correct option is (C): Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE).

Answer 2

The question asks which enzyme drugs commonly target to treat high blood pressure. Let's assess what each enzyme is actually used for in therapy.

1. Cyclooxygenase (COX): COX is blocked by NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and aspirin to reduce pain, fever, and inflammation. It is not the main enzyme targeted for lowering blood pressure.
2. HMG-CoA reductase: This enzyme controls the rate-limiting step of cholesterol synthesis and is blocked by statins to lower blood cholesterol, not blood pressure.
3. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE): ACE converts angiotensin I into angiotensin II, a powerful vasoconstrictor. Drugs called ACE inhibitors, such as enalapril and lisinopril, block this enzyme so blood vessels relax and blood pressure falls, making this the standard enzyme target for hypertension.
4. Monoamine oxidase (MAO): MAO breaks down neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, and its inhibitors are used mainly as antidepressants, not as first-line blood pressure drugs.

Among these, only ACE sits directly in the pathway that raises blood pressure, which is why blocking it is the standard drug strategy for hypertension.

Therefore, the correct answer is Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE).