General Pathology Practice Questions

Q: Which cytokine possesses pyrogenic activity?

IL-6. **Explanation:** **Correct Option: A (IL-6)** Fever (pyrexia) is mediated by **pyrogens**. Cytokines such as **IL-1, TNF-̑, and IL-6** act as endogenous pyrogens [1]. When released (primarily by macrophages), these cytokines travel via the bloodstream to the anterior hypothalamus. Here, they induce the enzyme **cyclooxygenase (COX)**, which converts arachidonic acid into **Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)** [1]. PGE2 resets the hypothalamic thermostat to a higher level, resulting in fever. Among the options provided, IL-6 is a potent inducer of the acute-phase response and pyrogenesis [1]. **Incorrect Options:** * **B. IL-8:** This is a potent **chemotactic factor** for neutrophils. Its primary role is "recruitment" rather than systemic thermoregulation. * **C. TGF-beta:** This is an **anti-inflammatory** and profibrotic cytokine. It helps in wound healing and limits the immune response; it does not induce fever. * **D. IL-3:** This is a hematopoietic growth factor (multilineage colony-stimulating factor) that stimulates the differentiation of stem cells in the bone marrow [1]. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Major Endogenous Pyrogens:** IL-1 (most potent), TNF, and IL-6. * **Acute Phase Reactants:** IL-6 is the primary stimulator for the hepatic synthesis of acute-phase proteins like **CRP** and Fibrinogen [1]. * **Mechanism of NSAIDs:** Drugs like Paracetamol and Aspirin reduce fever by inhibiting COX, thereby blocking the synthesis of PGE2 in the hypothalamus. * **IL-8 Mnemonic:** "Clean up on aisle 8"—IL-8 recruits neutrophils to clean up the site of inflammation. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Inflammation and Repair, p. 111.

Question 1

Which cytokine possesses pyrogenic activity?

Accepted Answer

IL-6

Answer

IL-8

Answer

TGF beta

Answer

IL-3

Question 2

Which of the following statements is NOT true regarding cystic fibrosis?

Accepted Answer

Normal CFTR is an ion channel specific for calcium.

Answer

The defective gene encodes for the membrane protein called cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator.

Answer

It is an autosomal recessive disorder.

Answer

Altered pH of the surface secretions decreases bactericidal activity.

Question 3

What is the most common aneuploidy compatible with life?

Accepted Answer

Down syndrome

Answer

Turner syndrome

Answer

Klinefelter's syndrome

Answer

Patau syndrome

Question 4

A patient presented with chest pain to the emergency room and dies within 12 hours of arrival. Autopsy performed 5 days later shows necrosis in the myocardium. What is the type of necrosis?

Accepted Answer

Coagulative

Answer

Fibrinoid

Answer

Caseous

Answer

Liquefactive

Question 5

Enzyme levels increase in tissue injury due to which of the following mechanisms?

Accepted Answer

Lysis of cells

Answer

Enzyme secretion

Answer

Absence of inhibitors in serum

Answer

All of the above

Question 6

A translocation is called 'balanced' if:

Accepted Answer

No loss or gain of genetic material occurs.

Answer

There is an excess of genetic material.

Answer

There is deficient genetic material.

Answer

There is no break in any chromosome.

Question 7

The Nitroblue tetrazolium test is used for which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Phagocytes

Answer

Complement

Answer

T cell

Answer

B cell

Question 8

Benzopyrene is changed to a carcinogen in animals due to all of the following mechanisms EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Cytochrome C activation

Answer

Epoxide formation

Answer

p53 activation

Answer

Induction of metabolism by cytochrome P450

Question 9

Basal cell carcinoma commonly spreads by which route?

Accepted Answer

Direct spread

Answer

Lymphatics

Answer

Haematogenous

Answer

All the above

Question 10

Mitochondrial DNA (mt-DNA) is known for all except:

Accepted Answer

Nemaline myopathy results due to mutations in mtDNA

Answer

Maternal inheritance

Answer

Heteroplasmy

Answer

Leber hereditary optic neuropathy is the prototype

General Pathology — MCQs

General Pathology — MCQs

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