Protein metabolism after trauma is characterized by the following except
**Core Concept**
Protein metabolism after trauma involves a complex interplay of various mechanisms to ensure the body's needs are met during a catabolic state. The body's primary goal is to mobilize amino acids from muscle tissue to synthesize essential proteins, such as clotting factors and acute-phase proteins, and to maintain gluconeogenesis.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
After trauma, the body undergoes a state of increased catabolism, which leads to the breakdown of muscle proteins to provide essential amino acids for gluconeogenesis and the synthesis of acute-phase proteins. This process is mediated by the activation of various enzymes, including ubiquitin-proteasome pathway and calpains. Additionally, the hormone cortisol plays a crucial role in the mobilization of amino acids from muscle tissue by inhibiting protein synthesis and enhancing protein degradation.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** This option is incorrect because protein synthesis is actually inhibited after trauma, not enhanced. The body prioritizes the breakdown of muscle proteins to provide essential amino acids for gluconeogenesis and the synthesis of acute-phase proteins.
* **Option B:** This option is incorrect because the release of cortisol after trauma actually promotes protein degradation and inhibits protein synthesis, leading to muscle wasting.
* **Option D:** This option is incorrect because the body's primary goal after trauma is not to conserve protein, but rather to mobilize amino acids from muscle tissue to meet the body's needs.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
In the post-traumatic period, the body's catabolic state can lead to significant muscle wasting, which can have long-term consequences on the patient's outcome. Therefore, it is essential to implement early nutritional support, including adequate protein intake, to mitigate this effect.
**Correct Answer: B. Cortisol's role in protein metabolism after trauma is to inhibit protein synthesis and enhance protein degradation.**