laktátszintet

Laktátszintet, also known as lactate synthesis, refers to the biochemical process by which lactate is produced. This process primarily occurs in the cytoplasm of cells through the enzyme lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Lactate is formed from pyruvate, which is a product of glycolysis, the breakdown of glucose for energy. Under aerobic conditions, pyruvate is typically converted to acetyl-CoA and enters the citric acid cycle for further energy production. However, when oxygen is scarce, such as during intense exercise or in certain pathological states, pyruvate accumulates and is converted to lactate by LDH. This conversion serves a crucial function by regenerating NAD+ from NADH. NAD+ is an essential cofactor for glycolysis to continue, allowing for ATP production even in the absence of sufficient oxygen. Lactate can then be transported to other tissues, such as the liver, where it can be converted back to glucose through gluconeogenesis, a process known as the Cori cycle. While lactate was historically considered solely a metabolic waste product, it is now understood to be an important intermediate in cellular energy metabolism and can even serve as an energy source for some cells. Elevated blood lactate levels, known as lactic acidosis, can indicate underlying medical conditions such as sepsis, shock, or certain metabolic disorders.