Protein Synthesis and Nutrient Metabolism

Abstract

The liver produces and secretes most of the circulating proteins in the body that function in an amazingly complex array of regulatory and metabolic processes. The liver also functions as a central metabolic way station for the processing, partitioning and trafficking of nutrients, including lipids and carbohydrates, as well as vitamins, at the intersection of the intestine and the rest of the body. It is remarkable that the regulatory mechanisms that have evolved to control these processes generally function in a highly responsive and coordinated manner. However, when dysregulation occurs due to genetic or environmental factors, such as in glycogen storage diseases or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, significant morbidity may result. This chapter will highlight these functions of the liver and some of the disease processes that may occur.