Which of the following risk factors is most strongly associated with the development of thalassemia?
Regular physical exercise
High intake of vitamin C
Exposure to sunlight
Family history of thalassemia
Elevated blood glucose levels do not promote the breakdown of triglycerides; in fact, insulin resistance inhibits the activity of lipoprotein lipase. This enzyme is responsible for clearing triglycerides from the bloodstream into the tissues for storage or energy use. When glucose is high and insulin is ineffective, triglycerides tend to accumulate in the plasma, leading to hypertriglyceridemia.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Regular physical exercise has no causative link to the development of thalassemia, as the condition is an inherited genetic disorder. While exercise is important for overall health, it cannot modify the DNA sequences responsible for hemoglobin alpha or beta chain synthesis. Individuals with thalassemia must actually monitor their exercise intensity due to potential anemia-related oxygen transport limitations.
B. A high intake of vitamin C does not cause thalassemia, although it can significantly impact the management of the disease. In patients who are already transfusion-dependent, excessive vitamin C can mobilize iron from stores and increase the risk of oxidative cardiac damage. However, the origin of the disease remains strictly rooted in genetic inheritance rather than dietary or supplemental habits.
C. Exposure to sunlight is not a risk factor for thalassemia and has no effect on the synthesis of globin chains in red blood cells. Sunlight is essential for the cutaneous synthesis of vitamin D, which is often deficient in thalassemia patients due to various metabolic complications. There is no biological mechanism by which UV radiation could induce the specific mutations that characterize this hematologic disorder.
D. A family history is the most critical risk factor because thalassemia is an autosomal recessive genetic condition. The disease is caused by mutations or deletions in the genes that encode for the globin proteins required to form functional hemoglobin molecules. Because these defects are passed from parents to offspring, a positive family history is the primary indicator for genetic screening
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Protein calorie malnutrition is a pathological state characterized by the severe deficit of essential macronutrients and micronutrients. While it is a leading cause of secondary immunodeficiency globally, it is not a normal physiologic process. It results in lymphoid organ atrophy and impaired cell-mediated immunity due to external deprivation.
B. Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder involving persistent hyperglycemia and insulin resistance or deficiency. This pathological state impairs the chemotaxis and phagocytic activity of polymorphonuclear leukocytes. It is categorized as a disease-induced secondary immunodeficiency rather than a natural, healthy transition within the human life cycle.
C. Pregnancy is a normal physiologic condition that necessitates a unique state of maternal immunomodulation to protect the semi-allogeneic fetus. The maternal immune system undergoes a functional shift to prevent an immune attack against fetal paternal antigens. This natural suppression is essential for maintaining gestation and preventing spontaneous abortion or rejection.
D. Emotional trauma triggers the systemic release of glucocorticoids via the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. While common, extreme psychological distress is an external stressor that disrupts homeostasis rather than a standard physiologic stage. It is considered a stress-induced impairment of immune surveillance rather than a normal biological requirement.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Elevated high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels: HDL is often referred to as "good" cholesterol because it facilitates the transport of lipids from the tissues back to the liver. High levels of HDL are generally considered cardioprotective and are not a diagnostic criterion for dyslipidemia. Dyslipidemia typically involves a decrease in HDL, which contributes to an increased risk of atherosclerosis.
B. Decreased triglyceride levels: This is not a criterion for dyslipidemia; in fact, dyslipidemia is characterized by hypertriglyceridemia, or elevated levels of triglycerides. High triglyceride levels contribute to the thickening of arterial walls and increase the risk of pancreatitis. Clinicians look for elevations in these fatty acids when diagnosing metabolic syndrome or lipid disorders.
C. Normal total cholesterol levels: By definition, dyslipidemia involves abnormal lipid levels, so normal total cholesterol would not be used to meet the diagnostic criteria for this condition. A diagnosis requires at least one component of the lipid panel, such as LDL, HDL, or triglycerides, to be outside the healthy physiological range. Normal values indicate a healthy lipid metabolism.
D. Elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels: LDL is the primary carrier of cholesterol in the blood and is highly associated with the development of atherosclerotic plaques when present in excess. An elevated LDL level is a central component of the diagnostic criteria for dyslipidemia. Reducing these levels is a primary goal of pharmacologic and lifestyle interventions to prevent cardiovascular disease.
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