Which of the following is a consequence of decreased glutamine levels?

• A. Intestinal mucosa atrophy
• B. Enhanced immune function
• C. Increased protein synthesis
• D. Enhanced wound healing

Answer: (A)

Glutamine acts as a key fuel for rapidly dividing cells, especially intestinal enterocytes and immune cells. When glutamine levels fall, these cells lose an important energy and nitrogen source, impairing their growth and maintenance. The intestinal mucosa then undergoes atrophy, reducing surface area and weakening barrier function, which can lead to increased permeability and risk of translocation of pathogens. This makes intestinal mucosa atrophy the most likely consequence of depleted glutamine. A decrease in glutamine would not boost immune function; it would tend to impair immune cell activity. It would also reduce protein synthesis and wound healing rather than enhance them.