[Carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in liver cirrhosis]

The liver is of prime importance in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. Thirty to 60% of the ingested carbohydrates are taken up by the liver, and stored as glycogen. In the fasted state, the liver releases glucose by glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis. The liver, therefore, acts as a "buffering organ' in carbohydrate metabolism to keep the blood glucose level in a physiological state. In liver cirrhosis, abnormality in carbohydrate metabolism is commonly observed, characterized by hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance. The liver produces cholesterol, triglyceride, and phospholipid, secretes and uptakes lipoproteins, and discharges cholesterol in the form of bile. In addition, the liver produces important enzymes for lipoprotein metabolism. In consequence, many typical,. features are observed in lipid metabolism in hepatic diseases.