A 50-year-old female with hypothyroidism presents with elevated cholesterol. Which mechanism explains the increased cholesterol in hypothyroidism?
ADecreased expression of LDL receptors due to reduced thyroid hormone signaling
BIncreased hepatic cholesterol synthesis
CIncreased activity of HMG-CoA reductase
DAll of the above
Correct Answer:
D. All of the above
EXPLANATION
Thyroid hormones upregulate LDL receptors and also inhibit HMG-CoA reductase. In hypothyroidism, all these effects are reversed, leading to increased cholesterol levels through multiple mechanisms.
Which of the following conditions would result in elevated levels of lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a))?
ALiver disease with reduced protein synthesis
BGenetic variants in the LPA gene and chronic kidney disease
CBeta-blocker therapy
DExcessive physical exercise
Correct Answer:
B. Genetic variants in the LPA gene and chronic kidney disease
EXPLANATION
Lp(a) levels are primarily determined by genetic factors (LPA gene polymorphisms) and are elevated in chronic kidney disease due to reduced catabolism. Lp(a) is an independent cardiovascular risk factor.
In the carnitine shuttle system, carnitine palmitoyltransferase I (CPT-I) is inhibited by:
AAcetyl-CoA
BMalonyl-CoA
CAMP
DGlucagon
Correct Answer:
B. Malonyl-CoA
EXPLANATION
CPT-I is allosterically inhibited by malonyl-CoA, a key regulatory point linking fatty acid synthesis (high during fed state) with fatty acid oxidation (low during fed state).
A patient with Tangier disease shows extremely low HDL levels (
ALDL receptor
BABCA1 transporter
CApolipoprotein B synthesis
DLipoprotein lipase
Correct Answer:
B. ABCA1 transporter
EXPLANATION
Tangier disease results from mutations in ABCA1 gene, which encodes an ATP-binding cassette transporter essential for HDL biogenesis. This leads to severe HDL deficiency and cholesterol accumulation in tissues.
Which of the following correctly describes the relationship between LDL particle size and cardiovascular risk?
ASmall, dense LDL particles are more atherogenic than large, buoyant particles
BLarge LDL particles are more atherogenic and have reduced clearance
CLDL particle size has no correlation with cardiovascular disease risk
DSmall LDL particles are more easily cleared by hepatic LDL receptors
Correct Answer:
A. Small, dense LDL particles are more atherogenic than large, buoyant particles
EXPLANATION
Small, dense LDL particles (Pattern B) are more atherogenic because they penetrate arterial walls more easily, are more susceptible to oxidation, and have reduced hepatic clearance compared to large, buoyant LDL particles.
A 45-year-old patient presents with xanthomas and corneal arcus. Which lipid abnormality is most consistent with these clinical signs?
AIsolated hypertriglyceridemia
BSevere hypercholesterolemia with elevated LDL
CLow HDL cholesterol
DElevated VLDL only
Correct Answer:
B. Severe hypercholesterolemia with elevated LDL
EXPLANATION
Xanthomas (lipid deposits in skin and tendons) and corneal arcus (lipid deposition in cornea) are hallmark signs of severe hypercholesterolemia, typically with very high LDL cholesterol levels.
In the synthesis of eicosanoids, what is the first critical step?
AActivation of COX enzymes
BRelease of arachidonic acid from membrane phospholipids by phospholipase A2
CConversion to prostacyclin
DInhibition by NSAIDs
Correct Answer:
B. Release of arachidonic acid from membrane phospholipids by phospholipase A2
EXPLANATION
Eicosanoid synthesis begins with phospholipase A2-mediated release of arachidonic acid (C20 polyunsaturated fatty acid) from membrane phospholipids, which then serves as substrate for COX and LOX pathways.
Apolipoproteins serve multiple functions in lipid transport. Which apolipoprotein is most important for HDL maturation and cholesterol efflux?
AApoB-100
BApoA-I
CApoC-II
DApoE
Correct Answer:
B. ApoA-I
EXPLANATION
ApoA-I is the major apolipoprotein of HDL, essential for LCAT activation and cholesterol esterification, promoting reverse cholesterol transport and HDL maturation.
What is the net ATP yield from complete oxidation of one molecule of a 16-carbon saturated fatty acid (palmitate)?
AApproximately 80 ATP
BApproximately 129 ATP
CApproximately 38 ATP
DApproximately 200 ATP
Correct Answer:
B. Approximately 129 ATP
EXPLANATION
Palmitate (C16) undergoes 7 cycles of beta-oxidation producing 8 acetyl-CoA molecules, 7 FADH2, and 7 NADH. Total ATP yield is approximately 129 ATP (accounting for initial activation cost).
Which of the following conditions results from deficiency of lipoprotein lipase?
AType I hyperlipoproteinemia with severe hypertriglyceridemia
BLow HDL cholesterol only
CPrimary hypercholesterolemia
DNormal lipid metabolism with enhanced fat oxidation
Correct Answer:
A. Type I hyperlipoproteinemia with severe hypertriglyceridemia
EXPLANATION
Lipoprotein lipase deficiency causes Type I hyperlipoproteinemia with severe accumulation of chylomicrons and triglycerides (>1000 mg/dL), risk of acute pancreatitis.