The following adverse effect of corticosteroids is mainly due to their mineralocorticoid action:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Corticosteroids can cause a rise in blood pressure primarily due to their mineralocorticoid action. Mineralocorticoids such as aldosterone play a key role in regulating blood pressure by controlling sodium and water balance in the body. Corticosteroids, including synthetic ones like prednisone, can mimic the effects of aldosterone, leading to increased sodium reabsorption in the kidneys and subsequent water retention. This results in fluid buildup and elevated blood pressure. It is important for healthcare providers to monitor blood pressure regularly in patients who are prescribed corticosteroids, especially for long-term use, to manage and minimize this potential adverse effect.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Anabolic steroids are synthetic derivatives of testosterone, which exhibit both anabolic (muscle-building) and androgenic (masculinizing) properties. However, some anabolic steroids are designed to have more selective anabolic effects with reduced androgenic side effects. Therefore, statement B is correct.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Finasteride is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor that primarily reduces the static component of urinary obstruction in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) by decreasing the size of the prostate gland. It inhibits the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is responsible for prostate growth. Finasteride takes more than 3 months to exert its beneficial effect as it gradually reduces the size of the prostate gland. It is typically prescribed for long-term management of BPH symptoms. Tamsulosin and Terazosin, both alpha-1 blockers, primarily target the dynamic component of urinary obstruction by relaxing smooth muscle in the prostate and bladder neck, providing rapid symptom relief. Amphetamine is not used in the treatment of BPH.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Finasteride is a steroid 5α-reductase inhibitor that has been found useful in treating benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) and male pattern baldness. By inhibiting the enzyme 5α-reductase, finasteride reduces the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is implicated in both conditions. In BPH, DHT contributes to prostate enlargement, while in male pattern baldness, it contributes to the miniaturization of hair follicles. Finasteride helps in reducing DHT levels, leading to improvements in both conditions. It is a well-established and commonly prescribed medication for these purposes.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Estrogens are known to have various metabolic actions in the body, but they do not typically promote anabolism. Instead, estrogens have been shown to have effects such as improving insulin sensitivity and promoting a favorable lipid profile by decreasing LDL-cholesterol and increasing HDL-cholesterol levels. Estrogens are also associated with salt and water retention, which can contribute to bloating and weight gain in some individuals. Additionally, estrogens can lead to impaired glucose tolerance, especially at higher doses or in individuals with existing metabolic issues. However, the promotion of anabolism is not a characteristic metabolic action of estrogens.