Which statements is not true regarding acute starvation?
**Core Concept**
During acute starvation, the body undergoes a series of metabolic adaptations to maintain energy homeostasis. The liver plays a crucial role in this process, regulating the breakdown and synthesis of various energy sources. The brain, being a high-energy organ, requires a constant supply of glucose for optimal function.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Option C states that "only" ketone bodies are utilized by the brain for energy. However, this is not entirely accurate. While it is true that the brain can adapt to use ketone bodies as an alternative energy source during prolonged fasting or starvation, it does not completely abandon glucose utilization. The brain still requires a small amount of glucose for optimal function, and this glucose is obtained through a process called glucose sparing. Glucose sparing allows the brain to conserve glucose by reducing its uptake from the bloodstream and increasing the use of ketone bodies.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Increased lipolysis is a true statement regarding acute starvation. During this state, the body breaks down stored triglycerides to release free fatty acids, which are then converted to ketone bodies in the liver.
**Option B:** Increased gluconeogenesis in the liver is also a true statement. Gluconeogenesis is the process by which the liver generates glucose from non-carbohydrate sources such as amino acids and lactate, which is essential for maintaining blood glucose levels during starvation.
**Option D:** Increased glycogenolysis in the liver is a true statement. Glycogenolysis is the breakdown of glycogen to glucose, which is then released into the bloodstream to maintain blood glucose levels during the initial stages of starvation.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
It's essential to remember that the brain's adaptation to use ketone bodies as an energy source during starvation is a gradual process that occurs over several days. Initially, the brain relies heavily on glucose for energy, and it's only after several days of fasting that ketone bodies become a more significant energy source.
**β Correct Answer:** C. Only ketone bodies utilized by brain for energy