Lactate Metabolism and Cori Cycle

A 28-year-old female marathon runner collapses at the 35 km mark during a competitive race. She is brought to the medical tent with severe fatigue, muscle cramps, and confusion. Blood glucose is 65 mg/dL, arterial pH is 7.28, and serum lactate is 8.5 mmol/L (normal <2 mmol/L). Her liver function tests are normal. Which organ is primarily responsible for converting the accumulated lactate back to glucose during the recovery phase?

A 35-year-old woman with chronic liver disease presents with lactic acidosis (pH 7.28, lactate 8 mmol/L). Her glucose is 45 mg/dL. Which of the following best explains the combination of hypoglycemia and lactic acidosis in this clinical scenario?

A 38-year-old male with a history of alcohol abuse presents to the emergency department with severe lactic acidosis (pH 7.18, lactate 12 mmol/L). Clinical examination reveals hepatomegaly and signs of cirrhosis. Which investigation would be most appropriate to assess the liver's capacity to clear lactate and confirm impaired gluconeogenesis?

A 32-year-old male athlete undergoes high-intensity interval training. Blood lactate rises to 12 mmol/L (normal fasting: 1–2 mmol/L). After exercise cessation, lactate returns to baseline within 1 hour. Which organ is responsible for the most significant clearance of this elevated lactate?

Regarding the Cori cycle and lactate metabolism, all of the following statements are true EXCEPT: