[Comparative studies on the use of equimolar 14C-labeled glucose and fructose infusions in normal subjects and patients with liver cirrhosis].

In 11 normal subjects (NS) and 12 patients with liver cirrhosis (LC) the utilisation of 14C-glucose and 14C-fructose infusions (0.75 g/kg/h for 4 h) was compared. There were nor relevant side effects. Lactate and pyruvate were in both groups during fructose infusion slightly increased compared to glucose infusion. The free fatty acids were significantly decreased. The serum glucose level rose more in LC than in NS when given fructose infusion. During glucose and fructose infusion in LC higher insulin concentrations were calculated than in NS. 15 min after infusion of 14C-fructose 20% of the total serum activity was 14C-glucose, after 2 to 4 h the level was 30%. Differences between NS and LC were not found to be significant. The specific activity of 14CO2 was the same in both the 14C-glucose infusion and the 14C-fructose infusion. The glucose oxidation was impaired in LC, but not the 14CO2-exhalation during infusion of 14C-fructose. Unimpaired 14CO2-exhalation, and normal utilisation and conversion to glucose are arguments for the use of fructose in infusion treatment of cirrhotics.