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
Increased levels of alanine in serum after fasting suggest 
Select and explain. 
A. Increased release of alanine from muscle, B. Reduced amino acid utilisation for gluconeogenesis, C. Break in continuity of plasma membrane resulting in leakage of amino acids, D. Decreased uptake of alanine by liver
A: Increased release of alanine from muscle
Answer: A: Increased release of alanine from muscle 
Explanation: During starvation, muscle proteins are degraded to serve amino acids (especially alanine) as substrates for gluconeogenesis.
Alanine also arises from transamination of pyruvate in the muscles.
Alanine is transported to liver for gluconeogenesis.