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)

Hint:

ACE inhibitors are among the most effective drugs for managing hypertension by targeting the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the role of ACE in hypertension. The angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) plays a key role in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), which regulates blood pressure. ACE converts angiotensin I into angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor that increases blood pressure by narrowing blood vessels. Step 2: Mechanism of ACE inhibitors. ACE inhibitors, such as enalapril and captopril, are commonly used to treat hypertension. They block the activity of ACE, reducing the production of angiotensin II, which leads to: - Vasodilation (widening of blood vessels), - Lowered blood pressure, and - Reduced strain on the heart. Step 3: Why other options are incorrect. - Cyclooxygenase (COX): Targeted by NSAIDs to reduce inflammation and pain, not for hypertension. - HMG-CoA reductase: Targeted by statins to lower cholesterol levels. - Monoamine oxidase (MAO): Targeted in the treatment of depression, not directly related to hypertension.

Answer 2

The question asks which enzyme drugs commonly target to treat high blood pressure. Let's check what each listed enzyme actually does and which drug class targets it.

1. Cyclooxygenase (COX): COX is targeted by NSAIDs like ibuprofen and aspirin to reduce pain, fever, and inflammation by blocking prostaglandin synthesis. It is not a blood pressure control target.
2. HMG-CoA reductase: This enzyme controls the rate-limiting step of cholesterol synthesis in the liver and is the target of statin drugs used to lower LDL cholesterol, not blood pressure directly.
3. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE): ACE converts angiotensin I into angiotensin II, a strong vasoconstrictor that raises blood pressure and triggers aldosterone release. Drugs like enalapril and captopril block ACE, which lowers angiotensin II production, relaxes blood vessels, and reduces blood pressure.
4. Monoamine oxidase (MAO): MAO breaks down neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, and its inhibitors are used mainly for depression, not for treating hypertension.

Among the four enzymes, only ACE sits directly in the pathway that raises blood pressure, which is why it is the standard drug target for hypertension.

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