Metabolism Flashcards
What is the first enzyme in glycolysis?
Hexokinase/ glucokinase
What is the name of the process that converts glucose to glycogen stores?
Glycogenesis
Name the two enzymes involved in glycogenesis
After hexokinase, the two enzymes specific to glycogenesis are phosphoglucomutase and branching enzyme
Describe the process of glycogenolysis
Glycogen to glucose molecules. De-branching enzyme then phosphoglucomutase then glucose-6-phosphatase to create free glucose molecules
Describe the pathophysiology of Von Gierke’s disease
Absence or defect of glucose-6-phosphatase, meaning glycogen cannot be broken down to glucose. Results in excessive glycogen storage in the liver (hepatomegaly) and hypoglycaemia
Name the enzyme used in lipogenesis (creation of fatty acids)
Acetyl carboxylase. Allosterically regulated by citrate (promotes) and AMP (decreases)
Give the most commonly encountered free radicals in the body
Nitric oxide and hydroxyl groups
Give the two enzymes that work to reduce the effects of ROS
Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase
Which molecule replenishes GSH from GSSG?
NADPH
Why is glutathione (GSH) such a good defence against ROS?
Has a very high reducing power
Why is nitric oxide produced by the body?
For its vasodilator effects. Created from arginine
Through which channels does glucose pass into beta cells in the islets of Langerhans?
GLUT 2
Glucagon is produced from which cells of the pancreas?
Alpha cells in the islets of Langerhans
Name the layers of the cortex of the adrenal glands
Zona glomerulosa (mineralocorticoids), zona fasciculata (glucocorticoids) and zona reticularis (androgens)
Where are catecholamines e.g. adrenaline and noradrenaline produced and by what cells?
Medulla of the adrenal glands by chromaffin cells (stimulated by sympathetic innervation)
Give the effects of aldosterone
Acts on the distal convoluted tubule to upregulate Na/K ATPase and increase ENaC expression. Keeps water/sodium and excretes potassium
Give the effects of cortisol
Stimulates gluconeogenesis, protein breakdown and distribution of fat to a central position in the body
Give the hypothalamic-pituitary axis for cortisol production
Hypothalamus secretes corticotropic releasing hormone (CRH) to act on the pituitary and secrete ACTH. ACTH stimulates the zone fasciculata of the cortex of the adrenals to secrete cortisol.
When are cortisol levels at their highest?
The morning. Lowest at night. Part of the normal circadian rhythm
Give some cushingoid signs
Hyperpigmentation of the skin, dorso-cervical fat pad, weight gain, muscle atrophy and striae.
Why does hyperpigmentation occur in high cortisol levels?
ACTH is produced from the precursor, POMC, which also gives alpha-MSH which stimulates melanocytes to pigment the skin
What channel is responsible for iodine uptake in the thyroid?
Sodium-iodine symporter (NIS). Sodium is extruded from the cell by Na/K ATPase and the gradient allows iodine uptake
Which cells of the thyroid produce thyroxine?
Thyrocytes. Excreted into the surrounding colloid
What is the precursor molecule to thyroxine?
Thyroglobulin
Where is T4 converted to T3?
The peripheral circulation
In what form is thyroxine produced by the thyroid?
T4
Which blood proteins bind thyroxine?
Thyroid binding globulin (TBG) and albumin
How, in simple terms, is thyroxine produced?
Iodide is added to free tyrosine residues on thyroglobulin by thyroid peroxidase and this is secreted
Give the pathophysiology of Graves’ exophthalmos
The reason is two-fold. Circulating antibody stimulates the thyroid receptors to stimulate thyroxine production to increase metabolism and vitreous production. The same antibody stimulates the extraocular muscles to push the eye out of the socket
Give the difference between Hashimoto’s disease and cretinism
Hashimoto’s is autoimmune destruction of the thyroid gland causing hypothyroidism. Cretinism is the result of hypothyroidism from birth, resulting in mental retardation, stunted growth and delayed sexual development
In what bone is the pituitary found?
Sella tursica of the sphenoid bone
What tissue does the anterior pituitary derive from?
Gut tissue (the infundibulum)
Name the hormones produced by posterior pituitary (neurohypophysis)
ADH and oxytocin
Name the hormones produced by the anterior pituitary (adenohypophysis)
ACTH, GH, TSH, GnRH and prolactin