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: Biochemistry
[{'content': 'In a patient with starvation for 72 hrs which of the following would be seen a) Increase glycogenolysisb) Increased ketosis due to breakdown of fatsc) Degradation of proteinsd) Increased gluconeogenesis \nSelect and explain. \nA. a, B. bcd, C. bd, D. acd', 'role': 'user'}, {'content': "Answer: B \nExplanation: 72 hours starvation is the junctional period between early stage (first stage) and intermediate stage (second stage) of fasting. At this time (72 hours of starvation) option b, c and d all are correct. But, the best answer here is d i.e. increased gluconeogenesis. Let us see each option one by one.\nGlycogen stores are depleted in 16-18 hours.\nBreakdown of fat (lipolysis) and ketogenesis occurs in the later part of the first stage. But fatty acids and ketone bodies are utilized mainly during the second and third stage. Further, lipolysis provides glycerol, which is used for\xa0gluconeogenesis.\nProtein degradation occurs, but it is to provide alanine for\xa0gluconeogenesis.\nGluconeogenesis is maximum on the third day\xa0and it is responsible for maintenance of blood glucose in early as well as in late stages of starvation.\nThus, the best answer here is gluconeogenesis.\n\n\n\nIf we put\xa0except\xa0in the question, then the answer will become 'a' i.e., glycogenolysis, as glycogen stores are depleted in 16-18 hours.", 'role': 'assistant'}]