LDH

Definition	:	Lactate DeHydrogenase
Category	:	Medical » Biochemistry
Country/Region	:	Worldwide
Popularity	:

What does LDH mean?

Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in cellular metabolism. It is found in many cells throughout the body, including the heart, liver, muscles, kidneys, and blood cells.
LDH plays a role in the conversion of lactate to pyruvate, which is a process that helps to produce energy.
LDH test measures the level of LDH in a person's blood. It is primarily used to assess and monitor tissue damage. Elevated LDH levels in the body serve as a marker for cell damage and are used in diagnostics to assess tissue injury or disease.
LDH is released during cell damage because it is a cytosolic enzyme, meaning that it is located inside the cell. When cells are damaged, their cell membranes are ruptured, which allows LDH to leak out into the bloodstream or surrounding tissue.

Note:
Lactate is a substance that is produced when the body breaks down glucose (sugar) for energy in a process called glycolysis. Pyruvate is another product of glycolysis and serves as a key molecule for generating additional energy through oxidative phosphorylation when oxygen is available.