BIOL122 Assignment 2: Asthma Vodcast Questions, May 2018

This assignment addresses questions related to an asthma vodcast presentation. Question 1 explains the pathophysiology of asthma, focusing on bronchial smooth muscle contraction and increased mucus production in the respiratory tract. Question 2 explores clinical manifestations, asking for a selection from Group A and Group B. The provided solution discusses hyperglycemia and its long-term complications, such as neuropathy and myocardial infarction. Question 3 focuses on the pharmacological management of a patient with type 2 diabetes, specifically the use of Metformin and its mechanism of action. Question 4 delves into the risk factors of type 2 diabetes, such as obesity and the role of retinol binding protein 4, and also explains the importance of HbA1c in monitoring and managing the disease.

Question 1
Insulin synthesis and binding to target tissues is quite different in healthy and diabetic patients.
In a healthy individual, beta cells of the pancreas produce insulin upon sensing hyperglycemia.
The hormone then binds on target tissues and mediates cellular metabolism that reduce the level
of glucose in blood. In a diabetic individual, the beta cells initially produce high insulin thus
losing their sensitivity to insulin that they can’t synthesize any insulin. Any available insulin in
the body binds on target tissues but does not mediate glucose uptake. This two conditions leads
to hyperglycemic state.
Question 2
Hyperglycemia is a condition in which there is excessive glucose in blood. This, according to
studies has long term complications to the individual such as neuropathy and myocardial
infarction. Since excessive glucose is toxic, it impairs normal functioning of nerves leading to
impaired coordination within the body. It also destroy nerves of the muscles of the heart and
blood vessels such that the heart no longer contracts and relax regularly to pump blood. This
condition is termed myocardial infarction.
Question 3
Metformin is the drug of choice for my patient McRoberts who is suffering from type 2 diabetes.
The drug mimics the natural insulin. It work by stimulating cells to raise intake of blood glucose
for metabolism. This achieved through altering the Cytoplasmic ADP: ATP and the AMP: ATP
ratios that in return activates the AMP-activated protein kinase enzyme that stimulate cellular
metabolism.
Question 4

a)
Normally, obesity is one of the biggest risk factors of type 2 diabetes. Studies have established a
direct correlation between overweight and the increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Among the
randomized controlled trials carried out, it has been established that individuals with excess
adipose tissue produce a retinol binding protein 4. This is the factor that mediates or stimulates
insulin resistance in cells leading to type diabetes.
b)
HbA1c otherwise known as glycated hemoglobin, is a compound made up of glucose and the
hemoglobin. Studies argue that it provides an average measure of glucose for a period between 8
and 12 weeks. This makes it a good long term control and management of individuals with type
2 diabetes since the average measurements can be used as the basis for evaluating the response to
therapy. A high level of HbA1c means more has to be done while a low level means the patient
is responding well.