LDH

LDH or Lactate Dehydrogenase is an enzyme that is found in almost all body tissues. It plays a crucial role in the process of converting sugar into energy for your cells. LDH is present in many types of organs and tissues throughout the body, including the liver, heart, pancreas, kidneys, skeletal muscles, lymph tissue, and blood cells.

Structure

LDH is composed of four subunits. The exact composition of these subunits can vary, resulting in different forms of the enzyme, known as isoenzymes. There are five different isoenzymes of LDH, each made up of a different combination of two types of protein chains.

Function

LDH plays a key role in the process of anaerobic respiration, a way for cells to produce energy when oxygen levels are low. It does this by catalyzing the conversion of lactate into pyruvate, a step in the process of glucose metabolism.

Clinical significance

An LDH test is a type of blood test that measures the amount of LDH in the blood. This test can be used to help diagnose a variety of conditions, including heart disease, lung disease, liver disease, and certain types of cancer. High levels of LDH in the blood can indicate tissue damage or disease.

See also

• Enzyme
• Isoenzyme
• Anaerobic respiration
• Glucose metabolism
• LDH test