All of the following are potential causes of elevated LDL , except:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Cirrhosis is not a potential cause of elevated LDL cholesterol levels. The liver plays a significant role in cholesterol metabolism, and liver disease like cirrhosis can actually lead to decreased levels of LDL cholesterol. Elevated LDL cholesterol levels can be caused by conditions such as hypothyroidism, nephrotic syndrome, or the use of certain medications like thiazide diuretics.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Addison's disease, also known as primary adrenal insufficiency, is a condition where the adrenal glands do not produce enough steroid hormones, mainly cortisol and sometimes aldosterone. This deficiency in steroid hormone production is typically caused by autoimmune destruction of the adrenal cortex. Without enough cortisol and aldosterone, various symptoms may arise, such as fatigue, weight loss, low blood pressure, and skin discoloration. Therefore, option A accurately describes the nature of Addison's disease.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The phrase "Cushing's disease" specifically refers to the cause of Cushing's syndrome that is due to an ACTH-secreting pituitary adenoma. In this specific case, the excess production of ACTH leads to bilateral adrenal hyperplasia and oversecretion of cortisol. It is important to differentiate between Cushing's syndrome caused by a pituitary adenoma (Cushing's disease) and other causes such as adrenal adenomas, ectopic ACTH production, or iatrogenic sources.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Hormones are chemical messengers that are produced by various glands in the body and released into the bloodstream to signal and regulate the activity of specific target cells. Unlike energy sources that can be metabolized for energy production (like carbohydrates and fats), hormones are not typically used as an energy source themselves (Choice B). Hormones are typically not biologically inert by themselves (Choice A), as they have specific functions in regulating various physiological processes in the body. While some hormones may be stored in secretory granules before release, not all hormones are stored in this manner (Choice D). Additionally, hormones are not always released by exocytosis (Choice E), as some hormones can also be released through other mechanisms such as diffusion. The correct choice, therefore, is C: hormones are incorporated as a structural moiety into another molecule, as they bind to specific receptors on target cells to elicit a cellular response and regulate physiological functions.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Acromegaly most commonly affects individuals in the age group of 30-50 years. This condition is typically diagnosed in adults between these ages. Acromegaly is often caused by the overproduction of growth hormone in adults, which leads to excessive bone growth and tissue expansion. While acromegaly can develop at any age, it is more commonly seen in adults within the 30-50 age range.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is a hormone produced by the parathyroid glands in response to low blood calcium levels. Its main function is to raise calcium levels in the blood by acting on the bones, kidneys, and intestines. PTH stimulates the release of calcium from the bones, enhances the absorption of calcium by the intestines, and promotes the reabsorption of calcium by the kidneys. Therefore, it is secreted in increased amounts when blood calcium levels are below normal in order to maintain overall calcium balance in the body.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Ranitidine is not associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis in adults. It is a histamine-2 blocker commonly used to reduce stomach acid production and treat conditions such as ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease. On the other hand, the other options listed are known to increase the risk of osteoporosis:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: C-21 hydroxylase deficiency is the most common enzymatic defect leading to the development of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). This enzyme is necessary for the synthesis of cortisol and aldosterone in the adrenal glands. When there is a deficiency in C-21 hydroxylase, the pathway is shifted towards the production of androgens instead of cortisol and aldosterone, leading to excess androgen production. This results in the characteristic features of CAH, such as ambiguous genitalia in females and virilization in both males and females. Other enzyme deficiencies listed in the choices can also lead to different types of CAH but are less common compared to C-21 hydroxylase deficiency.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Oxytocin is a hormone produced by the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland. In the bloodstream, oxytocin is mostly bound to a carrier protein called neurophysin. This binding helps to protect oxytocin from being degraded too quickly in the bloodstream, thus allowing it to exert its effects on target tissues such as the uterus and mammary glands. Oxytocin plays important roles in stimulating uterine contractions during labor, facilitating milk letdown during breastfeeding, and promoting social bonding and emotional connections.