Environmental And Nutritional Pathology! Trivia Quiz

Vitamin C is required for the hydroxylation of procollagen.

Functions as a visual pigment, protects against infection - especially measles, involved in to specialised epithelium.

Technically not a vitamin - it is a steroid hormone.

Serum folate levels reflect recent intake of folate, as it is the form of folate that is circulating in the blood. Red cell folate, on the other hand, indicates the amount of folate that has been stored in the red blood cells over a longer period of time. Therefore, measuring both serum folate and red cell folate provides a comprehensive assessment of folate status, with serum folate indicating short-term intake and red cell folate reflecting long-term stores.

Coenzyme

Cofactor in hepatic carboxylation of clotting factors.

Raised in infection and inflammation as well as pregnancy and OCP.

Homocysteine is an amino acid that is produced during the metabolism of methionine. Folate is required for the conversion of homocysteine back to methionine. Therefore, a deficiency in folate can lead to an accumulation of homocysteine in the blood. This is why it is true that homocysteine is known to be raised in folate deficiency.

Coenzyme in nucleotide & amino acid metabolism - it is essential for DNA synthesis.

Lead crosses the placenta and it IS terratogenic, causing a variety of malformations, hydrocephalus and haemorrhage in rats.

Pellagra is caused by a deficiency of niacin. It is a disease characterized by symptoms such as cheilosis (cracked lips), stomatitis (inflammation of the mouth), glossitis (inflammation of the tongue), and corneal vascularization (abnormal blood vessel growth in the cornea). These symptoms are a result of the body's inability to convert the amino acid tryptophan into niacin. Pellagra can also cause dermatitis, diarrhea, and mental disturbances.

Lead absorption is increased with low levels of iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P04), and vitamin D. This means that when these nutrients are lacking in the body, the absorption of lead is enhanced, leading to higher levels of lead in the bloodstream. This can be problematic as lead is a toxic metal that can have harmful effects on various organs and systems in the body. Therefore, it is important to ensure adequate intake of these nutrients to minimize lead absorption.

Menke's disease is a rare genetic disorder that affects copper metabolism in the body. Copper is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in the development and function of the brain and nervous system. In Menke's disease, there is a deficiency of a protein called ATP7A, which is responsible for transporting copper within the body. This deficiency leads to the accumulation of copper in certain tissues, while the brain and nervous system suffer from a lack of copper. As a result, cerebral and cerebellar degeneration occurs, leading to neurological symptoms such as developmental delays, seizures, and movement problems.

Antioxidant

Wilson's disease is an inherited disorder that results in the accumulation of excess copper in different tissues of the body. This condition occurs due to a mutation in the ATP7B gene, which is responsible for regulating copper metabolism. As a result, copper builds up in the liver, brain, and other organs, leading to various symptoms such as liver disease, neurological problems, and psychiatric disturbances. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent further copper buildup and manage the symptoms effectively.

Coenzyme

Methanol poisoning can lead to blindness due to formate precipitation in the retina. Methanol is metabolized in the body to formaldehyde and then to formic acid, which can cause damage to the optic nerve and retina. This damage can result in vision loss or blindness. Ethanol and ethylene glycol poisoning do not typically cause this specific complication.

Keshan disease is an endemic cardiomyopathy that is primarily found in certain regions of China. It is caused by a deficiency of selenium, which is an essential trace mineral. The low selenium levels in these areas lead to the development of cardiomyopathy, which is a disease that affects the heart muscle. The correct answer is Keshan because it accurately identifies the specific disease mentioned in the question and its association with low selenium levels in China.

Lead is fat soluble, meaning it can dissolve in fat. It easily enters the brain and is deposited in the hippocampus and cortex. CNS symptoms of lead poisoning include irritability, dullness, headache, tremor, fatigue, hallucinations, and memory loss. Lead exposure can also cause encephalopathy. Additionally, lead exposure in children with blood lead levels between 0.48 and 1.2 umol/L can lead to lowered IQ, abnormal cognitive development, and behavioral issues.

In acute respiratory acidosis, there is an accumulation of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the bloodstream due to inadequate ventilation. This leads to high pCO2 levels. Normal bicarbonate levels indicate that the kidneys have not yet compensated for the acidosis by retaining bicarbonate. Low pH indicates acidosis. Therefore, the combination of high pCO2, normal bicarbonate, and low pH is consistent with acute respiratory acidosis.

Megaloblastic anemia is a condition characterized by the production of abnormally large red blood cells due to a deficiency in vitamin B12. This deficiency affects the production of DNA in red blood cells, leading to their abnormal size and decreased ability to carry oxygen. Degeneration of the posterior/lateral spinal cord tracts is also caused by vitamin B12 deficiency and can result in neurological symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and difficulty with coordination. Therefore, the correct answer is "Megaloblastic anemia and degeneration of posterior/lateral spinal cord tracts."

Exacerbates neurological symptoms caused by Vitamin B12 deficiency.

The correct answer is "Swelling of cells bathed in the solution due to the movement of water into the cells to equalize the osmolality across the cell membrane." When a hypotonic solution is administered intravenously, it has a lower concentration of solutes compared to the intracellular fluid. This creates a concentration gradient, causing water to move into the cells to balance the osmolality. As a result, the cells swell due to the influx of water.

Cheilosis, glossitis, dermatitis, and peripheral neuropathy are all symptoms of Vitamin B6 deficiency. Cheilosis refers to the inflammation and cracking of the corners of the mouth, glossitis is the inflammation of the tongue, dermatitis is the inflammation of the skin, and peripheral neuropathy is damage to the peripheral nerves. These symptoms can occur when there is a lack of Vitamin B6 in the diet, as this vitamin is necessary for the proper functioning of the nervous system and the maintenance of healthy skin and mucous membranes.

1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3 is the active form - made from processing in the kidney.
Vitamin D3 is the form found in meat and fish
Vitamin D2 is the plant form of vitamin D

Note - in most labs, the meaurement is of 25 dihydroxyvitamin D3

Fish is often a source of heavy metal ingestion.

Selenium is a mineral that plays a crucial role in thyroid metabolism by aiding in the conversion of T3 to T4. It also acts as an antioxidant, helping to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Additionally, selenium has been studied for its potential role in cancer prevention, as it may help to reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.

The classical biochemical findings in Addison's disease include hyperkalaemia, which is an elevated level of potassium in the blood, a mild acidosis, which is a slightly acidic pH of the blood, and low aldosterone levels. Aldosterone is a hormone that helps regulate potassium and sodium levels in the body. In Addison's disease, the adrenal glands do not produce enough aldosterone, leading to an imbalance in electrolytes, particularly an increase in potassium levels. This combination of hyperkalaemia, mild acidosis, and low aldosterone levels is characteristic of Addison's disease.

CKD is more likely to cause hyponatraemia

Because it is fat-soluble, absorption of vitamin D will be impaired in fat malabsorption, as in lipase deficiency secondary to pancreatic insufficiency which can be a complication of cystic fibrosis.

Zinc deficiency can lead to poor wound healing because zinc is necessary for collagen synthesis and cell proliferation. Irritability can also be a manifestation of zinc deficiency as zinc is involved in neurotransmitter regulation. Hypogonadism, or decreased function of the gonads, can occur due to zinc deficiency as zinc is involved in the production and regulation of sex hormones. Retardation can be associated with zinc deficiency as zinc is important for brain development and cognitive function. Diarrhea can be a symptom of zinc deficiency as zinc is involved in maintaining the integrity of the gastrointestinal tract. Poor immune function can also be a manifestation of zinc deficiency as zinc is necessary for the development and function of immune cells.

Paracetamol poisoning can lead to liver damage, which can cause an increase in bilirubin levels. Bilirubin is a waste product that is produced when red blood cells are broken down. When the liver is damaged, it may not be able to process bilirubin effectively, leading to its accumulation in the blood. Additionally, paracetamol poisoning can also cause kidney damage, which can result in raised creatinine levels. Phosphate levels may be low due to liver dysfunction. Lastly, paracetamol poisoning can affect blood clotting, leading to an increased prothrombin time.