6PHYM003W: What is a lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) test? Briefly explain the principle of the LDH assay: Advanced Pharmacology and Toxicology Essay, UOW, UK

Section A: 

1. What is a lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) test? Briefly explain the principle of the LDH assay.

2. Drug development requires that a compound is tested through a series of general toxicology tests prior to entering clinical populations. Give a detailed evaluation of both in vitro and in vivo tests with appropriate details and the advantages and disadvantages of both.

3. Discuss how the metaboliser status of patients expressing CYP2D6 variants may impact prescribing decisions for treatment with codeine.

4. a) Explain what is meant by the term ‘constitutive GPCR activity’ and how
agonists and antagonists with different pharmacological properties may affect this.

b) Explain what is meant by the term ‘biased signaling’ and provide an example of where this is relevant clinically.

5. Describe microRNA (miRNA) biogenesis and mechanism of action.

Section B: 

1. Write an account detailing the clinical features of, and neurotoxicological
mechanisms thought to underlie methylmercury poisoning.

2. Describe calcium homeostasis and its role in cellular toxicity.

3. Describe what is meant by the term “rational drug design” in the context of
chemotherapy. Use ONE named example to describe how a specific chemotherapy agent was rationally designed to target a cancer-causing mutation. Discuss some advantages and disadvantages to rationally designed chemotherapies.