GLYCEROL METABOLISM IN PATIENTS WITH ALCOHOL-INDUCED LIVER-CIRRHOSIS

The clearance rate of glycerol has been found to be impaired in alcoho lic liver disease. However it remains unclear, if this can be ascribed to a defect of hepatic gluconeogenesis. Thus, the purpose of this wor k was to investigate glycerol clearance and hepatic glucose production in patients with liver cirrhosis. 13 patients with alcohol-induced Ch ild B cirrhosis and 8 healthy volunteers were studied. Rates of appear ance (R(a)) of glycerol, glucose and alanine were determined using sta ble isotope techniques. In addition indocyanine green clearance (ICGC) and plasma substrate concentrations were measured. Clearance rates we re calculated as R(a) divided by the corresponding substrate concentra tion. Ra( )of glycerol in patients was not different from controls, bu t glycerol clearance was significantly reduced (29 +/- 3 vs. 41 + 4 ml /kg/min). No differences in R(a) of glucose and alanine and correspond ing plasma concentrations were observed. ICGC in patients was about 35 % lower than reference values. Diminished glycerol clearance in patien ts with liver cirrhosis was not due to impaired hepatic gluconeogenesi s. Since glycerol is almost completely extracted by the liver decrease d glycerol clearance possibly simply reflected compromised liver perfu sion as seen by reduced ICGC.