Question

Write the correct co-relation :
Insulin : diabetes :: Interferon : ..............

Hint:

For analogies linking medicines to diseases, match the drug's primary therapeutic use (e.g., insulin → diabetes; interferon → viral hepatitis or other viral infections).

Answer 1

Insulin is a hormone used to treat and regulate the disorder diabetes by lowering blood glucose and replacing or supplementing deficient insulin. Interferons are a group of signaling proteins produced by host cells that interfere with viral replication and modulate the immune response. Therapeutically, interferons are administered to treat certain viral infections, notably chronic hepatitis B and hepatitis C, and they are also used in some immune-related conditions and cancers. Therefore, the correct analogy pairs a therapeutic agent with the condition it treats: \[ \text{insulin : diabetes} :: \text{interferon : viral infections (example: hepatitis)}. \] To elaborate on the therapeutic roles of these agents:
- Insulin and Diabetes: Insulin is a crucial hormone produced by the pancreas that helps regulate blood sugar levels by allowing glucose to enter cells for energy. In individuals with diabetes, particularly Type 1 diabetes, the body is unable to produce sufficient insulin, leading to high blood glucose levels. Insulin therapy is used to replace or supplement the deficient insulin, thus helping to lower blood glucose levels and maintain them within a normal range. In Type 2 diabetes, insulin may also be required if the body's ability to produce or respond to insulin becomes impaired. Proper insulin therapy can prevent complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis, cardiovascular disease, and nerve damage.
- Interferons and Viral Infections: Interferons are naturally occurring proteins that are part of the body's immune response to viral infections. When a cell is infected by a virus, it releases interferons to signal neighboring cells to increase their antiviral defenses. Interferons also modulate the immune system by enhancing the activity of immune cells such as T cells and macrophages. Therapeutically, interferons are used to treat various viral infections, including chronic hepatitis B and hepatitis C, by stimulating the immune system to fight the virus more effectively. In addition, interferons have been used in the treatment of certain cancers and autoimmune diseases, as they help regulate immune responses.
In summary, the correct analogy reflects the therapeutic relationship between each agent and the condition it treats: insulin is used to manage diabetes, while interferon is used to treat viral infections like hepatitis. Both agents are examples of how specific therapies are designed to target and address particular medical conditions.