Which of the following statements are correct?

(A) Glucocorticoids control the carbohydrate metabolism

(B) Testosterone is a major female sex hormone

(C) Insulin is released in response to increase in blood sugar

(D) Hypothyroidism is caused by low level of thyroxine

(E) Mineralocorticoid is a major male sex hormone

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

(A), (C) and (D) only

The correct answer is option 3. (A), (C) and (D) only.

Let us look into each statement in detail:

(A) Glucocorticoids control carbohydrate metabolism: Glucocorticoids are a class of steroid hormones primarily produced by the adrenal glands, with cortisol being the main glucocorticoid in humans. Glucocorticoids play a crucial role in regulating carbohydrate metabolism by influencing various metabolic processes in the body. Here's how:

Promotion of Gluconeogenesis: Glucocorticoids stimulate the synthesis of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources, such as amino acids and glycerol, in the liver. This process, known as gluconeogenesis, helps maintain blood glucose levels during fasting or stress.

Inhibition of Glucose Uptake: Glucocorticoids reduce the uptake of glucose by peripheral tissues, such as muscle and fat cells. This action helps conserve glucose for vital organs, such as the brain, during times of stress.

Promotion of Glycogen Synthesis: Glucocorticoids can enhance glycogen synthesis in the liver, storing excess glucose as glycogen for future use.

Modulation of Insulin Sensitivity: Glucocorticoids can interfere with insulin signaling, leading to reduced insulin sensitivity in target tissues. This effect contributes to the development of insulin resistance and impaired glucose tolerance.

Overall, glucocorticoids play a vital role in regulating carbohydrate metabolism, ensuring adequate energy availability during periods of stress or fasting.

(B) Testosterone is a major female sex hormone: Testosterone is primarily known as the major male sex hormone, although it also plays essential roles in females, albeit in smaller quantities. In males, testosterone is produced primarily by the testes and is responsible for the development of male reproductive tissues (such as the testes and prostate) and secondary sexual characteristics (such as facial hair and deepening of the voice). In females, testosterone is produced in the ovaries and adrenal glands, albeit in much lower amounts compared to males. It contributes to libido, bone health, and overall well-being in females. However, estrogen and progesterone are considered the major female sex hormones, as they regulate the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and female secondary sexual characteristics.

(C) Insulin is released in response to an increase in blood sugar: Insulin is a peptide hormone produced by the beta cells of the pancreas. Its primary role is to regulate glucose metabolism and maintain blood glucose levels within a narrow range. When blood sugar levels rise, such as after a meal, insulin is released into the bloodstream. Insulin acts on various tissues, including muscle, fat, and liver cells, to promote glucose uptake and storage. It stimulates the uptake of glucose by cells, facilitates the conversion of glucose into glycogen for storage in the liver and muscles, and inhibits gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis (the breakdown of glycogen into glucose). By promoting glucose uptake and storage, insulin helps lower blood sugar levels, preventing hyperglycemia.

(D) Hypothyroidism is caused by a low level of thyroxine: Hypothyroidism is a condition characterized by an underactive thyroid gland, leading to insufficient production of thyroid hormones, including thyroxine \((T_4)\) and triiodothyronine \((T_3)\). Thyroxine is the main thyroid hormone produced by the thyroid gland and plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism, growth, and development. When thyroxine levels are low, metabolic processes in the body slow down, resulting in symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, constipation, and dry skin. Hypothyroidism can be caused by various factors, including autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto's thyroiditis), iodine deficiency, thyroid surgery, radiation therapy, medications, or congenital disorders.

Overall, understanding these hormonal functions is essential for comprehending the regulation of various physiological processes in the body.