This is a real-world medical entrance exam question, please give the true answer based on the question and selection. Topic name: None, Subject name: Pathology
[{'content': 'In which of the following pathological processes caspases are involved in? \nSelect and explain. \nA. Apoptosis, B. Fatty change, C. Hydropic degeneration, D. Collagen hyalinosis', 'role': 'user'}, {'content': "Answer: A \nExplanation: Apoptosis can be initiated by external signals that have features in common with those used by ligands such as TNF- or by an internal pathway activated by DNA damage, improperly folded proteins, or withdrawal of cell survival factors. Regardless of the mode of initiation, the apoptotic program is carried out by a large family of cysteineproteases termed caspases. The caspases are highly specific cytoplasmic proteases that are inactive in normal cells but become activated by apoptotic signals. Ref: Blumenthal D.K., Garrison J.C. (2011). Chapter 3. Pharmacodynamics: Molecular Mechanisms of Drug Action. In L.L. Brunton, B.A. Chabner, B.C. Knollmann (Eds), Goodman & Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 12e.", 'role': 'assistant'}]