Biochemistry of Starvation
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Questions and Answers

What physiological change occurs in the kidneys during starvation?

  • Increased filtration of glucose
  • Enhanced sodium reabsorption (correct)
  • Decreased renal blood flow (correct)
  • Increased urine output

Which hormone's level is likely to increase in response to prolonged starvation affecting the kidneys?

  • Insulin
  • Cortisol (correct)
  • Thyroxine
  • Aldosterone (correct)

How does total starvation impact kidney function over an extended period?

  • Decreased ability to concentrate urine (correct)
  • Enhanced detoxification processes
  • Increased glomerular filtration rate
  • Reduced risk of acute kidney injury (correct)

What is one of the primary roles of the kidneys during periods of starvation?

<p>To produce more glucose through gluconeogenesis (C), To maintain acid-base balance by increasing bicarbonate (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the kidneys' response to starvation is accurate?

<p>Kidneys work to conserve both sodium and water. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What primary energy source do resting skeletal muscles utilize during fasting?

<p>Fatty acids and ketone bodies (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a fasting state, what is the primary source of energy for the brain?

<p>Ketone bodies (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which enzyme is activated in the liver during a fasting state to promote glycogen breakdown?

<p>Glycogen phosphorylase (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT inactivated during a fasting state in the liver?

<p>Fructose-1,6-diphosphatase (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary energy source for adipose tissue in a fasting state?

<p>Fatty acids (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which enzyme's activity is induced in the liver during the well-fed state?

<p>HMG-CoA Reductase (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does insulin play in the liver during the well-fed state?

<p>Promotes glycogen storage (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following processes is activated by insulin in the liver during the well-fed state?

<p>Glycogenesis (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What metabolic process is primarily responsible for the creation of glucose from non-carbohydrates during starvation?

<p>Gluconeogenesis (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following processes decreases in the liver during starvation?

<p>Glycolysis (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to blood glucose levels in the later stages of starvation?

<p>They decline (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a direct consequence of excessive ketone body production during prolonged starvation?

<p>Ketoacidosis (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which process is primarily responsible for the breakdown of fats during starvation?

<p>Lipolysis (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What notable metabolic state is observed during ketosis?

<p>High levels of ketone bodies (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During starvation, which of the following processes is decreased specifically in relation to ketone body metabolism?

<p>Ketolysis (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what condition can severe ketosis lead to a state of coma or death?

<p>Diabetes mellitus (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main process through which muscle cells experience glucose deprivation during starvation?

<p>Gluconeogenesis (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of incomplete fatty acid oxidation seen during starvation?

<p>Less energy production (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What primary role does the liver play during the early stages of starvation?

<p>Converts non-carbohydrate sources into glucose (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which metabolic process does the liver primarily initiate in response to prolonged fasting?

<p>Gluconeogenesis (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect does starvation have on nitrogen balance over time?

<p>It eventually leads to a negative nitrogen balance (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to functional protein levels in the body as starvation continues?

<p>They decrease over time (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During starvation, what biochemical change is observed in body water levels?

<p>Decrease in total body water (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What ion is particularly reduced in the body during starvation, affecting electrolyte balance?

<p>Potassium (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which condition may result from prolonged starvation due to biochemical changes?

<p>Severe dehydration (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of ketogenesis in the body during starvation?

<p>To convert fatty acids into ketone bodies for energy (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does acidic blood pH relate to metabolic changes during starvation?

<p>It arises from an increase in ketone bodies (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the kidneys during starvation?

<p>To reabsorb water and electrolytes to retain blood volume (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about ammonia detoxification in starvation is correct?

<p>Initially increases, then decreases over time (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do kidneys respond to the changes in metabolism during starvation?

<p>They decrease the excretion of urea (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone's change during starvation directly affects kidney function?

<p>Cortisol (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of starvation, how does the kidney regulate blood glucose levels?

<p>By supporting gluconeogenesis from amino acids (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which process is least likely to be enhanced by kidney function during prolonged starvation?

<p>Glycogenolysis (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do the kidneys play in relation to fatty acids during starvation?

<p>They facilitate the production of ketone bodies (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of prolonged starvation on kidney filtration rates?

<p>Filtration rates decrease as blood volume drops (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a consequence of hormonal changes during starvation for kidney function?

<p>Changes in insulin levels influence how kidneys manage electrolytes (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which adaptation of the kidneys primarily helps maintain homeostasis during starvation?

<p>Reduction of water loss in urine (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In starvation, which process mainly reduces the workload on the kidneys?

<p>Reduction in urea production (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary metabolic change that occurs in the kidneys during starvation?

<p>Enhanced ammonia production (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which adaptation of the kidneys helps to manage electrolyte balance during periods of starvation?

<p>Altered filtration rates (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do the kidneys contribute to the maintenance of blood glucose levels during prolonged starvation?

<p>By performing gluconeogenesis (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the kidney's role during starvation is correct?

<p>The kidneys increase their role in gluconeogenesis. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect does prolonged starvation have on the kidneys' ammonia detoxification mechanisms?

<p>It increases the kidneys' ability to excrete ammonia. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What primary metabolic role do kidneys play during the fasting state?

<p>Gluconeogenesis from amino acids (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following processes is least likely to be involved in kidney function during prolonged starvation?

<p>Glycogen synthesis (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of starvation, how do kidneys assist in maintaining electrolyte balance?

<p>Increasing sodium retention (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the reabsorption of glucose in the kidneys during fasting?

<p>It decreases significantly (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which metabolite is primarily regulated by the kidneys during prolonged fasting?

<p>Ammonia (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the change in blood pH during starvation affect kidney function?

<p>Promotes renal acidosis (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What impact does starvation have on the filtration rate in the kidneys?

<p>It leads to a reduction in filtration rate (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which renal function primarily decreases as a response to prolonged fasting?

<p>Glycogen metabolism (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is primarily decreased in the liver during prolonged starvation concerning carbohydrate metabolism?

<p>Glycolysis (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is characterized by high levels of ketone bodies in the blood during starvation?

<p>Ketosis (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What process occurs in the liver during starvation that leads to the creation of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources?

<p>Gluconeogenesis (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable effect of lipid metabolism during starvation?

<p>Ketogenesis (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following processes related to fatty acids is decreased during starvation?

<p>Lipogenesis (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What serious condition may arise due to uncontrolled ketosis during prolonged starvation?

<p>Ketoacidosis (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In terms of glucose availability to muscle cells during starvation, which effect is commonly observed?

<p>Cellular glucose deprivation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary reason for the decline in blood glucose levels during later stages of starvation?

<p>Decreased glycogen stores (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes ketogenesis during starvation?

<p>It produces ketone bodies from fatty acids. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What physiological condition can occur due to severe ketosis during starvation?

<p>Ketoacidosis (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is not a significant adaptation of the kidneys during starvation?

<p>Reduced reabsorption of sodium (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In prolonged starvation, which of the following changes is least likely to occur in kidney function?

<p>Increased secretion of water-soluble vitamins (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the body manage nitrogen balance during the early stages of starvation?

<p>Through increased ammonia detoxification (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which effect of starvation on the kidneys contributes to maintaining blood glucose levels?

<p>Increased gluconeogenesis from amino acids (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary electrolyte change observed in the kidneys during starvation?

<p>Decreased potassium levels (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which role do the kidneys play in response to elevated ketone bodies during starvation?

<p>Excretion of excess ketone bodies (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of acid-base imbalance in the kidneys during prolonged starvation?

<p>Deterioration of kidney filtration rates (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During starvation, what mechanism involves the kidneys' response to maintain osmotic balance?

<p>Increased absorption of water (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what way does the reduction of functional protein levels during starvation affect kidney function?

<p>Impaired metabolism of nitrogenous wastes (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following changes in kidney function is least likely to contribute to metabolic flexibility during starvation?

<p>Decreased ammonium ion secretion (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the primary hormones secreted by the pancreas that respond to changes in blood glucose during starvation?

<p>Insulin and Glucagon (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During which stage of starvation does the body primarily utilize lipolysis and fatty acid oxidation?

<p>Third Stage (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of ketogenesis during starvation?

<p>To generate ketones as an alternative energy source (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the body respond hormonally to increase blood glucose in response to starvation?

<p>By promoting glucagon secretion (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone is NOT typically associated with increasing blood glucose levels during starvation?

<p>Insulin (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what way does cortisol affect metabolism during starvation?

<p>Promotes glucogenesis (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What physiological change occurs most significantly in response to prolonged starvation with respect to energy utilization?

<p>Increased dependence on fat stores (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following processes primarily occurs in the first stage of starvation?

<p>Glycogenolysis (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following substances primarily serves as an alternative fuel source for the brain during prolonged starvation?

<p>Ketone bodies (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The secretion of which hormone is primarily stimulated by low blood glucose levels during starvation?

<p>Glucagon (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Glycogenolysis

The breakdown of glycogen, the stored form of glucose, in the liver during starvation.

Gluconeogenesis

The synthesis of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources, such as amino acids and glycerol, in the liver during starvation.

Beta oxidation of fatty acids

The process by which fatty acids are broken down into smaller units called acetyl-CoA to generate energy during starvation.

Ketoacidosis

A condition in which excess ketone bodies accumulate in the blood, leading to a lowering of blood pH.

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Lipolysis

The breakdown of fats into glycerol and free fatty acids, primarily occurring in adipose tissue during starvation.

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Free fatty acid mobilization

The process by which fatty acids are transported from adipose tissue to other tissues for energy production during starvation.

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Ketogenesis

The production of ketone bodies by the liver during starvation, as a result of incomplete fatty acid oxidation.

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Ketosis

Increased levels of ketone bodies in the blood and urine, a normal metabolic adaptation to starvation.

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Glycogenesis

The process of converting glucose into glycogen for storage in the liver and muscles.

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Glycolysis

The breakdown of glucose into pyruvate, providing energy for cells, which is slowed during starvation.

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Liver's energy source during fasting

During the fasting state, the liver relies on fatty acids and ketone bodies (KB) as its primary energy sources.

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Liver's response to insulin in the well-fed state

Insulin stimulates glucose uptake and storage in the liver during the well-fed state. This promotes glycogen synthesis and fat accumulation.

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Liver's response to fasting

During fasting, the liver breaks down glycogen stores and produces glucose through gluconeogenesis. This process is encouraged by the lack of insulin and the presence of glucagon. The liver also produces ketone bodies as an alternative energy source.

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Resting muscle's main fuel source in the well-fed state

In the well-fed state, resting skeletal muscles primarily rely on glucose and fatty acids for energy.

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Resting muscle's main fuel source during fasting

During fasting, resting skeletal muscles primarily utilize fatty acids and ketone bodies (KB).

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Cardiac Muscle's primary fuel source

Cardiac muscle primarily relies on fatty acids as its fuel source, both during well-fed and fasting conditions.

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Adipose tissue's role in energy storage and release

Adipose (fat) tissue primarily stores excess energy as triglycerides. During fasting, it breaks down triglycerides and releases fatty acids into the bloodstream.

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Brain's primary fuel source and adaptation during fasting

The brain primarily uses glucose as its energy source. During prolonged fasting, it can adapt to utilize ketone bodies as a fuel source in addition to glucose.

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Starvation

The complete stoppage of eating food by a human body. This means no food intake, but the person can still drink water.

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Total Starvation

The complete stoppage of both food and water intake by a human body. This is a more severe condition, as the lack of water can lead to further complications.

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Insulin

A hormone produced by the beta cells of the pancreas that lowers blood glucose levels by promoting glucose uptake by cells.

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Glucagon

A hormone produced by the alpha cells of the pancreas that increases blood glucose levels by stimulating glycogen breakdown and gluconeogenesis.

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Somatostatin

A hormone released by pancreatic D cells and the intestine that can both increase and decrease blood glucose levels depending on the situation.

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Epinephrine (Adrenaline)

A hormone produced by the adrenal glands that increases blood glucose levels by stimulating glycogen breakdown and gluconeogenesis.

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Cortisol

A hormone produced by the adrenal glands that increases blood glucose levels by stimulating gluconeogenesis.

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Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)

A hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates the adrenal glands to produce cortisol.

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Muscle Protein Catabolism

The breakdown of muscle proteins into amino acids, which is increased during starvation as the body seeks alternative energy sources.

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Transdeamination

The process of removing amino groups from amino acids, releasing glucogenic amino acids that can be converted into glucose by the liver. This process is increased in starvation to maintain blood glucose levels.

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Nitrogen Balance

The difference between nitrogen intake and nitrogen excretion. During starvation, the body enters a negative nitrogen balance, meaning more nitrogen is excreted than consumed, as protein breakdown exceeds protein synthesis.

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Gluconeogenesis During Starvation

The process in starvation where the liver converts non-carbohydrate sources like amino acids, lactate, and glycerol into glucose.

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Ketogenesis During Starvation

The process in prolonged starvation where the liver converts fatty acids into ketone bodies, which serve as an alternative fuel source for the brain when glucose levels are low.

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Adaptive Function of the Liver in Starvation

The ability of the liver to switch between producing glucose and ketone bodies depending on the body's needs during starvation. This metabolic flexibility helps ensure essential organs get the energy they need.

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Body Water Reduction in Starvation

The reduction in body water during starvation, leading to dehydration if prolonged.

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Potassium Ion Decrease in Starvation

The decrease in potassium ions in the blood during starvation, potentially leading to health problems.

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Acidic Blood pH in Starvation

The increase in ketone bodies in the blood during starvation, making the blood more acidic.

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Prolonged Starvation Effects

The severe dehydration and acid-base imbalance that can occur in prolonged starvation.

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Liver Fuel: Well-Fed

In a well-fed state, the liver uses glucose and fatty acids as its primary fuel sources. It stores excess glucose as glycogen and excess fatty acids as triglycerides.

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Liver Fuel: Fasting

During fasting, the liver's primary fuel sources are fatty acids and ketone bodies (KB). It breaks down glycogen to release glucose and generates ketone bodies from fat.

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Liver: Insulin's Role

In the well-fed state, insulin stimulates glucose uptake and storage in the liver. This promotes glycogen synthesis and fat accumulation.

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Liver: Fasting Response

During fasting, the lack of insulin and presence of glucagon lead to glycogen breakdown and glucose production (gluconeogenesis). The liver also produces ketone bodies for energy.

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Muscle Fuel: Well-Fed

Resting skeletal muscles primarily use glucose and fatty acids for energy in a well-fed state.

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Muscle Fuel: Fasting

During fasting, resting muscles shift to fatty acids and ketone bodies (KB) as their main fuel sources.

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Cardiac Muscle Fuel

Cardiac muscle predominantly uses fatty acids as its energy source, both in the well-fed state and during fasting.

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Adipose Tissue Function

Adipose tissue stores energy as triglycerides. During fasting, it breaks down triglycerides and releases fatty acids into the bloodstream for other tissues.

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What happens to glycogen during starvation?

The breakdown of glycogen, the stored form of glucose, in the liver during starvation.

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What process creates new glucose during starvation?

The process of creating glucose from non-carbohydrate sources, like amino acids and glycerol, in the liver during starvation.

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What happens to fat during starvation?

The breakdown of fats into glycerol and free fatty acids, primarily occurring in adipose tissue during starvation.

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How are fatty acids used for energy during starvation?

The process by which fatty acids are broken down into smaller units called acetyl-CoA to generate energy during starvation.

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What are ketone bodies and how are they produced?

The production of ketone bodies by the liver during starvation, as a result of incomplete fatty acid oxidation.

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What is ketosis?

High levels of ketone bodies in the blood and urine, a normal metabolic adaptation to starvation.

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What is ketoacidosis?

A condition in which excess ketone bodies accumulate in the blood, leading to a lowering of blood pH.

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What are the effects of excess ketone body production?

A condition that arises from uncontrolled diabetes or prolonged starvation, characterized by high levels of ketones in the blood and urine, lowered blood pH, and symptoms such as nausea, acetone breath, and in severe cases, coma and death.

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What does the liver use for energy during starvation?

The liver relies on fatty acids and ketone bodies for energy during starvation, switching from glucose dependence.

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What happens to the brain's energy source during starvation?

During starvation, the brain can adapt to utilize ketone bodies as a fuel source in addition to glucose.

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Metabolic Adaptation

The ability of the body to adapt to different energy sources depending on the situation. This includes switching between glucose and ketone bodies during starvation.

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Stress Hormones

Hormones that counterbalance insulin's actions. They increase blood glucose by promoting glycogen breakdown and gluconeogenesis.

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Negative Nitrogen Balance

A state where more nitrogen is excreted than consumed, indicating that protein breakdown exceeds protein synthesis.

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Body Water Reduction

Sustained starvation can lead to severe dehydration due to water loss.

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Potassium Ion Decrease

Decreased potassium ions in the blood can occur during starvation.

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Acidic Blood pH

Ketone bodies build up in the blood during starvation, making it more acidic.

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What is the difference between starvation and total starvation?

Starvation is the complete stoppage of eating food by a human body, while total starvation involves the complete stoppage of both food and water intake. It's a critical difference, as lack of water in total starvation leads to faster dehydration.

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What happens to the body during starvation?

The body starts breaking down its own reserves for energy, first glycogen, then muscle protein, and finally fat. The liver plays a crucial role in this process by producing glucose and ketone bodies. These changes maintain blood glucose levels, but also lead to serious metabolic changes.

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What are some of the conditions that can lead to starvation?

Starvation is caused by various factors, including lack of food due to natural disasters like droughts or floods, extreme poverty, being stranded at sea, severe health conditions, and sometimes deliberate choices like hunger strikes. It's a complex issue with devastating consequences.

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What is the role of the liver during starvation?

The liver is a crucial organ during starvation, as it switches its role to produce glucose and ketone bodies to fuel the body and brain. This metabolic shift allows the body to survive for extended periods without food, although with potential long-term health consequences.

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How does the brain get energy during starvation?

The brain is initially reliant on glucose for energy, but during prolonged starvation, it adapts to use ketone bodies as an alternative fuel source. This metabolic flexibility is vital for survival, but also shows the brain's ability to adjust.

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Study Notes

Biochemistry of Starvation

  • Starvation is the complete stoppage of eating food by a human body.
  • Total starvation is the complete stoppage of both food and water intake.
  • Conditions leading to starvation include: food scarcity (droughts, floods, famine), extreme poverty, being lost at sea, major surgeries, severe burns, critical health issues, desire for rapid weight loss, and political factors like hunger strikes.
  • Starvation can be caused by natural calamities, like droughts and floods, or extended periods at sea, or clinical conditions such as major surgeries and severe burns. It can also be caused by extreme poverty. Individuals may also choose to starve themselves, such as via hunger strikes in political protest, or for rapid weight loss.

Effects of Starvation on the Body

  • No exogenous food intake means no external nutrients.
  • Deprivation in starvation leads to lack of essential elements, including calories (carbohydrates and lipids), building blocks (proteins), growth factors (vitamins and minerals), and protectors (antioxidants).

Body's Response to Starvation

  • Metabolic stress leads to significant metabolic stress as nutrients are lacking.
  • The body enters an emergency state, prioritizing survival mechanisms.
  • The starved body adapts to external resource shortage.
  • The body relies on endogenous reserves (internal) to manage energy and nutrient needs.

Survival Period During Starvation

  • Survival heavily relies on fat reserves in adipocytes (fat cells).
  • Higher triacylglycerol (TAG) content in adipocytes results in longer survival.
  • Survival time with only food deprivation is typically 3-4 weeks, potentially up to 65 days.
  • Survival with only water deprivation is limited to a few days, typically less than a week.

Stages of Starvation

  • Phase 1 (Glycogen Depletion): First 24 hours, body uses stored glycogen for energy.
  • Phase 2 (Fat Burning): Days 2-7, body breaks down fat for energy, producing ketone bodies.
  • Phase 3 (Muscle Wasting): After a week, body breaks down muscle protein for essential functions, and vital organ function may be compromised.

Adaptations and Biochemical Changes in Starvation

  • Effects: No external food intake, depletion of essential nutrients, body in metabolic stress.
  • Adaptations: Use of stored fats and proteins for energy, adjusting to relying on internal reserves, prioritizing survival mechanisms.
  • Biochemical Alterations: Hormonal influence (glucagon and epinephrine activate), metabolic pathways are enhanced, hormones improve survival response.

Biochemical Adaptations in Starvation

  • Stages: Multiple phases of starvation
  • Metabolism: Changes in energy production and nutrient usage
  • Organs: Effects on various body systems
  • Stages: Glycogenolysis (breakdown of glycogen), Gluconeogenesis (creation of glucose), Lipolysis and fatty acid oxidation, Ketogenesis (production of ketones).

Hormonal Adaptations in Starvation

  • Insulin: Decreases blood glucose (fed state), increases blood glucose (fasted state)
  • Glucagon: Increases blood glucose, stimulates glucose production.
  • Epinephrine: Increases blood glucose, prepares the body for rapid action.
  • Cortisol: Maintains blood glucose level increase.
  • Somatostatin: Increases blood glucose.

Carbohydrate Metabolism in the Liver During Starvation

  • Increased Processes: Glycogenolysis (breakdown of glycogen) and Gluconeogenesis (creation of glucose from non-carbohydrates).
  • Decreased Processes: Glycogenesis (glycogen formation), Glycolysis (glucose breakdown), TCA Cycle (energy cycle), HMP Shunt (alternative glucose pathway).
  • Effects on Glucose: Blood glucose declines, cellular glucose deprivation in muscle cells.

Lipid Metabolism During Starvation

  • Increased Processes: Lipolysis (fat breakdown), free fatty acid mobilization, beta oxidation of fatty acids, incomplete fatty acid oxidation, ketogenesis (ketone production).
  • Decreased Processes: Ketolysis (ketone utilization), lipogenesis (fat synthesis).
  • Notable Effects: Ketosis (can lead to ketoacidosis).

Protein Metabolism in Starvation

  • Increased Processes: Muscle protein catabolism (muscle breakdown), transdeamination (releasing glucogenic amino acids).
  • Nitrogen Balance: Ammonia detoxification and urea production initially increase, then decrease over time. Body enters negative nitrogen balance.
  • Protein Reduction: Functional Protein levels decrease.

Water and Electrolyte Changes in Starvation

  • Key Alterations: Body water reduction, potassium ion decrease, acidic blood pH due to increased ketone bodies.
  • Prolonged Starvation Effects: Severe dehydration, acid-base imbalance, and electrolyte imbalances.

Role of the Liver in Starvation

  • Primary Site for Gluconeogenesis: Converts non-carbohydrate sources into glucose during early starvation.
  • Maintains blood glucose for organs like the brain.
  • Key Role in Ketogenesis: Converts fatty acids to ketone bodies during prolonged fasting.
  • Ketones serve as an alternative fuel.
  • Adaptive Function in Starvation: Balances glucose and ketone production, conserving muscle protein.

Role of Muscles in Starvation

  • Amino Acid Supply for Gluconeogenesis: Provides amino acids during early starvation for the liver to produce glucose.
  • Muscle preservation: Reduces muscle protein breakdown to conserve muscle mass.
  • Metabolic Adaptation: Uses fatty acids and ketones directly, reducing glucose demand and conserving muscle mass.

Role of the Brain in Starvation

  • Initial Dependence on Glucose: Primarily uses glucose from glycogen and gluconeogenesis in early fasting.
  • Shift to Ketone Utilization: Gradually adapts to ketone bodies for energy during prolonged fasting (up to 70% of needs).
  • Metabolic Adaptation: Conserves muscle protein by reducing glucose demand, preserving lean body mass.

Role of Adipose Tissues in Starvation

  • Primary Energy Reserve: Mobilizes stored triglycerides and provides energy during starvation via lipolysis (fat breakdown).
  • Lipolysis and Fatty Acid Release: Breaks down triglycerides into free fatty acids and glycerol for energy.
  • Adaptation to Prolonged Starvation: Supports ketone production and reduces protein breakdown, preserving muscle tissue.

Comparison of Fed and Fasting States

  • Hormones: Insulin (fed), glucagon, adrenaline, & cortisol (fasting)
  • Body Response: Hyperglycemia/glycogenesis (fed), hypoglycemia/lipolysis/ketogenesis/proteolysis (fasting)
  • Source of Glucose: Food (fed) and glycogen/gluconeogenesis (fasting)
  • Fate of Glucose: Glycolysis in both situations.

Liver: Fed vs. Fasted State

  • Fed: Various enzymes like glucokinase, glycogen synthase, and phosphofructokinase are activated to promote glucose storage and utilization.
  • Fasted: Other enzymes, such as glycogen phosphorylase, fructose-1,6-diphosphatase, and pyruvate kinase, become activated to stimulate glycogen breakdown and glucose production.

Assignment 2

  • Explain different starvation stages and associated biochemical changes.
  • Explain Role of Stages, Metabolism, and Organs during Starvation.

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Explore the biochemistry behind starvation and its effects on the human body. This quiz covers various conditions leading to starvation, the body's physiological response, and the crucial nutrients that become deficient during this state. Test your understanding of metabolic stress and survival mechanisms.

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