Lactate Dehydrogenase

Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the metabolic process of converting lactate to pyruvate, and vice versa, depending on oxygen availability. This reversible reaction is a key part of anaerobic glycolysis, particularly important in muscle cells during intense exercise when oxygen is scarce, leading to lactate production as a temporary energy source. LDH is present in almost all body tissues and is released into the bloodstream when tissue damage occurs. Consequently, elevated levels of LDH in the blood are often used as a marker for tissue damage and disease, such as heart attacks, certain cancers, and liver diseases.