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If we see an increase in delta-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) and/or urinary porphyrins, what should be expected?

a. Hemochromatosis
b. Lead poisoning
c. Wilson's disease
d. Thalassemia

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User Silencer
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Final answer:

An increase in delta-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) and urinary porphyrins is typically indicative of lead poisoning (option B), which disrupts the heme synthesis pathway.

Step-by-step explanation:

If we see an increase in delta-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) and/or urinary porphyrins, an expected condition would be lead poisoning. These compounds are part of the heme synthesis pathway, and their accumulation can be indicative of lead exposure, which disrupts enzyme function within that pathway. In lead poisoning, enzymes like ALA dehydratase and ferrochelatase are inhibited, leading to the accumulation of precursors such as ALA and urinary porphyrins.

Other conditions presented in the question do not typically show a primary increase in ALA and porphyrins. Hemochromatosis is highlighted by an accumulation of iron in the body, and Wilson's disease involves a retention of copper. While thalassemia is associated with abnormal synthesis of globin proteins and excessive destruction of erythrocytes, an increase in ALA and porphyrins is not a direct marker for this condition.

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User Dow
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