Raloxifene is used in the treatment of:

 # Raloxifene is used in the treatment of:

A. Renal osteodystrophy

B. Post menopausal osteoporosis

C. Chronic renal failure

D. Chronic osteomyelitis

The correct answer is B. Post menopausal osteoporosis. 

Raloxifene is used by women to prevent and treat bone loss (osteoporosis) after menopause. 

Raloxifene belongs to a group of drugs called Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs). It is a Second- generation agent. 

The principal use of Raloxifene is in the management of Post-menopausal Osteoporosis. It is also useful in Hormone sensitive Breast cancer (both prevention and treatment). 

It is important to remember that SERMs are partial Estrogen receptor antagonists. Raloxifene inhibits the estrogen receptors in breast while stimulates those in Bone marrow. Thus, it has tissue selective action which reduces the toxicity. Like Tamoxifen, it also lowers LDL cholesterol and thus has a favorable lipid profile. Side effects include hot flushes and calf pain (like Tamoxifen, but less incidence and severity). 

In contrast, Tamoxifen is a Pure Estrogen Receptor antagonist (1st Generation SERM). It causes significant side effects including Intravascular clotting, post-menopause like symptoms, hot flushes, calf pain, uterine bleeding, Uterine Carcinoma and Polyps. Its current use is limited to Management of Estrogen Sensitive Breast cancer. 

Third-generation drug, Bazedoxifene, has also been developed to treat osteoporosis and has similar effects to that of raloxifene. 

Apart from Raloxifene, Bisphosphonates, calcium supplements and Vitamin D supplements are used for management of post-menopausal Osteoporosis. 

Which of the following acts as an astringent?

 # Which of the following acts as an astringent?

A. Thymol

B. Glycerin

C. Zinc chloride

D. Liquoron

The correct answer is C. Zinc chloride.

Zinc chloride is a commonly known astringent used in various ways as in with retraction cords, gum paints and for management of oral ulcers. 

• Astringents : These are substances that act by precipitating proteins on the superficial layer of mucosa and make it mechanically stronger. Examples are alum or aluminum potassium sulfate (KAl (SO4)2), A1C13 and zinc chloride (ZnC12) 

• Styptics: These are concentrated forms of astringents, which cause superficial and local coagulation. Examples are ferric chloride and ferric sulfate (Fe2 (SO4)3) 

• A1C13 and ferrous sulfate are preferred astringents among dentists because of minimum tissue damage. 

• Because of the caustic action of zinc chloride on the oral tissues, it is not the preferred chemical for gingival retraction although it is still used for management of oral ulcers. 

Which of the following is an opsonin?

 # Which of the following is an opsonin?

A. C3b

B. C3a

C. IgG

D. IgA

The correct answer is A. C3b.

Opsonization is the process of increasing ability for phagocytosis of foreign body. In opsonisation, opsonin antibodies attach to the bacteria and facilitate the phagocytosis of that bacterium. 

Different types of opsonins: 

• Antibodies- IgM and IgG 

• Complement proteins- C3b, C4b 

• Circulating proteins- Pentraxins, collectins, and ficolins 

Origin of tongue muscles:

 # Origin of tongue muscles:

A. Occipital myotome

B. First pharyngeal swellings

C. Lateral lingual swellings

D. Pre optic myotomes muscles

The correct answer is A. Occipital myotome.

All muscles of tongue both intrinsic and extrinsic except palatoglossus are derived from the four occipital myotomes and are supplied by 12th cranial nerve (which is formed by fusion of pre cervical nerves) and the palatoglossus is supplied by vagus nerve. The occipital myotomes migrate into the developing tongue (contributed by 1st to 3rd pharyngeal arches) in the floor of mouth. Muscles develop from occipital myotomes supplied by hypoglossal nerve.