Choose the correct statement(s) about pioglitazone:

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Step 1: Pioglitazone is a thiazolidinedione that acts as an agonist on nuclear peroxisome proliferator receptor γ (PPAR-γ). Step 2: Activation of PPAR-γ enhances transcription of insulin responsive genes. Step 3: By enhancing insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake in peripheral tissues, pioglitazone lowers blood sugar in type 2 diabetes mellitus without causing hyperinsulinemia. Step 4: Therefore, all the statements A, B, and C are correct, making option D the correct answer. Other choices are incorrect as they do not accurately describe the mechanism of action and effects of pioglitazone.

Correct Answer: E

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale: 1. Hydrocortisone induces the synthesis of a protein called Lipocortin. 2. Lipocortin inhibits the enzyme phospholipase A2 (Choice A), reducing inflammation. 3. Heat shock protein-90 (Choice B) is not directly related to hydrocortisone's mechanism of action. 4. Inhibin (Choice C) is a hormone that inhibits the secretion of FSH, unrelated to hydrocortisone. 5. Transcortin (Choice D) is a binding protein for cortisol, not involved in hydrocortisone's protein synthesis.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Fludrocortisone. In Addison's disease, the adrenal glands do not produce enough cortisol and aldosterone. Fludrocortisone is a synthetic steroid that mimics aldosterone, helping to maintain electrolyte balance. It is preferred over aldosterone itself due to better pharmacokinetics and longer duration of action. Hydrocortisone (C) is used to replace cortisol. Betamethasone (D) is a potent glucocorticoid with no mineralocorticoid activity. Aldosterone (A) is not the preferred corticosteroid for replacement therapy in Addison's disease.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Systemic corticosteroid therapy is indicated in posterior uveitis due to its potent anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce inflammation in the eye. For exfoliative dermatitis, topical corticosteroids are more commonly used. Acute rheumatic fever is treated with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications. Hodgkin's disease requires chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Therefore, the correct answer is B as systemic corticosteroids are specifically beneficial in managing inflammation in posterior uveitis.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hypertrophy of interstitial cells of testes. Testosterone therapy can lead to an increase in testosterone levels, causing hypertrophy of interstitial cells, which produce testosterone. Choice A is incorrect as seminiferous tubules are not affected by testosterone therapy. Choice C is also incorrect as atrophy of interstitial cells is not a known effect of testosterone therapy. Choice D is incorrect as only choice B accurately reflects the impact of prolonged testosterone therapy on testicular cells.