Lipid Biochemistry USMLE Step 1 Practice Question
A 55-year-old woman with cirrhosis from hepatitis C presents with easy bruising and epistaxis. Vital signs: BP 110/70, HR 88, RR 16, Temp 37°C, SpO2 98%. PT/INR is severely prolonged at 3.2. Labs show serum albumin 2.1 g/dL, total bilirubin 4.2 mg/dL, and platelet count 95,000/μL. Abdominal ultrasound confirms cirrhosis without ascites. She denies alcohol use. Which lipid-related hepatic synthetic process is most directly impaired?
Answer choices
- AHDL-mediated reverse cholesterol transport
- BSynthesis of apolipoprotein and clotting factorsCorrect answer
- CEsterification of free fatty acids in adipose tissue
- DAbsorption of dietary cholesterol in the intestine
- EPeripheral lipolysis via hormone-sensitive lipase
- FOxidation of fatty acids in mitochondria for energy production
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