All of the following changes are seen in chronic starvation except: September 2009
Ans. D: Level of serum proteins less than 2.8During prolonged starvation, keto acids derived from fats are used by the brain and other tissues.Most of the protein burned during total starvation comes from the liver, spleen, and muscles and relatively little from the hea and brain. The blood glucose falls somewhat after liver glycogen is depleted, but is maintained above levels that produce hypoglycemic symptoms by gluconeogenesis.Ketosis is present, and neutral fat is rapidly catabolized. When fat stores are used up, protein catabolism increases even fuher, and death soon follows.Serum albumin level is reduced but it stays above 2.8 g/dL
All fat stores have been used up
Severe fat and muscle wasting
Brain uses ketoacids as fuel
Level of serum proteins less than 2.8 g/dL