Glikogeenia

Glikogeenia is a term found in some medical and academic texts to denote glycogen-related processes in the body, including the synthesis, storage, and mobilization of glycogen, the branched glucose polymer that serves as a major energy reserve in animals. In English-language sources, the related concepts are usually described as glycogen metabolism or glycogen storage.

Glycogen is stored mainly in liver and skeletal muscle. In the liver, glycogen helps maintain blood glucose during fasting; in muscle, it provides rapid energy for contraction. Enzymes such as glycogen synthase drive glycogen synthesis, while glycogen phosphorylase initiates its breakdown; debranching enzymes finish the process. The pathways are regulated by hormones including insulin, glucagon, and adrenaline, and by cellular energy status signals such as ATP, AMP, and glucose-6-phosphate.

Disorders affecting glycogen storage or metabolism are collectively called glycogen storage diseases (GSDs). They arise from genetic defects in enzymes of glycogen synthesis or breakdown, or in pathways feeding into glycogen metabolism. Presentation varies by tissue involvement and may include hypoglycemia, hepatomegaly, cardiomyopathy, or exercise intolerance. Diagnosis combines biochemical testing, enzyme activity assays, histology, and genetic analysis. Treatment is disease-specific and may involve dietary management to stabilize glucose, avoidance of fasting, and, in select cases, enzyme replacement or other targeted therapies.

Etymology and usage: "glikogeenia" derives from Greek roots for glycogen, and while used in some languages, the term glycogen metabolism is more common in English-language literature.