Piruvatul

Piruvatul, commonly referred to in English as pyruvate, is the conjugate base of pyruvic acid and the term used in Romanian and some other languages for the pyruvate ion or its salt forms. It is a three‑carbon, alpha‑keto carboxylic acid that functions as a central metabolite in energy production and biosynthesis.

In physiological conditions, piruvatul exists primarily as the pyruvate anion. It forms salts with various cations, the most common being sodium pyruvate and potassium pyruvate. These salts are used in research, nutrition, and some medical or cosmetic formulations.

Biological role: Pyruvate is the end product of glycolysis, produced from phosphoenolpyruvate via pyruvate kinase. It is a key branch point in metabolism. Under aerobic conditions, pyruvate is transported into mitochondria and converted to acetyl‑CoA by the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex, supplying the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Under anaerobic conditions, pyruvate can be reduced to lactate by lactate dehydrogenase, regenerating NAD+ for continued glycolysis. Pyruvate also serves as a substrate for gluconeogenesis in the liver and kidney, through pyruvate carboxylase and related pathways, and participates in amino acid biosynthesis through transamination and other reactions.

Regulation and occurrence: Pyruvate levels respond to energy demand, oxygen availability, and nutrient status. It accumulates and is rapidly metabolized as part of normal energy metabolism in many tissues.

Industrial and clinical notes: Pyruvate salts are used in some dietary and cosmetic products, and clinicians monitor pyruvate and lactate levels to assess metabolic health. Safety and efficacy depend on form, dose, and context.

See also: Pyruvate, glycolysis, pyruvate dehydrogenase, pyruvate carboxylase.