Lactate dehydrogenase

Lactate dehydrogenase: features and functions

Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is an enzyme belonging to the class of oxidoreductases. It plays an important role in cellular metabolism, ensuring the conversion of lactate to pyruvate and vice versa. LDH is a key enzyme in the process of glycolysis, which is the main mechanism for energy production in the cell.

Structurally, LDH is a tetramer consisting of four subunits. In humans, there are several isoforms of LDH, which can be formed by various combinations of two types of subunits - M (muscle) and H (cardiovascular). LDH isoforms have different distributions in different tissues of the body and have some specific properties.

The functions of LDH in the body are related to its participation in metabolic processes and energy metabolism. During glycolysis, which occurs in the cytoplasm of the cell, LDH catalyzes the oxidation of lactate to pyruvate while reducing nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+). This process is especially active in muscles and other tissues where rapid energy production is required.

In addition, LDH is also involved in cellular pH regulation. In conditions of oxygen deficiency (anaerobic metabolism), where lactate accumulation occurs, LDH plays an important role in maintaining intracellular pH at an optimal level.

Defects or changes in LDH activity may be associated with various pathological conditions. For example, elevated levels of LDH in the blood may indicate cell destruction, since this enzyme is found in the cytosol and can be released into the circulatory system when tissue is damaged, such as in myocardial infarction or hepatic failure.

In conclusion, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is an important enzyme for normal cell function. It plays a role in glycolysis, energy metabolism and maintaining pH within cells. Changes in LDH activity can serve as an indicator of various diseases. Further studies of LDH and its isoforms will allow us to better understand its role in physiology and pathology, which may lead to the development of new approaches in the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases.

Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is an enzyme from the group of oxidoreductases that plays an important role in the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats in the body. LDH participates in the Krebs cycle, where it catalyzes the conversion of lactate to pyruvate and pyruvate to acetyl-CoA. LDH also plays a role in glycogen synthesis and mobilization of fatty acids from adipose tissue.

LDH is one of the most abundant enzymes in the blood and tissues of the body. It is present in red blood cells, liver, kidneys, muscles, heart, brain and other organs. Serum LDH activity can be used as a marker of cell damage and inflammation.

When LDH activity in the blood increases, the patient may experience metabolic disorders, for example, diabetes, obesity, liver and kidney diseases. Also, elevated LDH levels may indicate the presence of malignant neoplasms.

However, it should be noted that LDH level is not a specific marker for diagnosing specific diseases. It can only be used in conjunction with other laboratory tests and the patient's clinical picture.

Overall, LDH is an important enzyme in the body's metabolism and can be used to diagnose and monitor various diseases. However, interpretation of test results should only be carried out by a qualified physician.