Slide Two- Aerobic Metabolism
Metabolism is vital to the body, as it converts proteins, carbohydrates and fats into energy. Aerobic metabolism requires oxygen to function, unlike anaerobic metabolism (Tang, nd). The oxygen breaks down glucose to release energy in the form of ATP, producing carbon dioxide and water as bi-products. The process of aerobic metabolism includes glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, Krebs cycle and the electron transport chain (Pass My Exams, nd).
Slide Three- Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex
The Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex, or PDC, is an important part of the aerobic respiration process. It is a large multi-enzyme complex and one of the central enzymes for aerobic metabolism. The complex acts as a metabolic gateway between glycolysis and the citric acid cycle and is one of the main enzymes for regulating the flow of metabolites between the two …show more content…
Enzyme testing is required to diagnose PDD and to distinguish it from similar conditions (Frye, 2014). Treatment is generally aimed at stimulating the pyruvate complex or providing an alternative source of energy for the brain. Cofactor Supplements containing thiamine, carnitine and lipoic acid is the most common form of treatment, as it optimizes PDC function, facilitates fatty acid transport and increases ATP production (Brown, 2012). Ketogenic diets with restricted carbohydrate intake have been recommended to control lactic acidosis, but have had minimal success (Frye, 2014). Dichloroacetate is currently being tested to determine its effectiveness in treating lactic acidosis, but it has significant side effects that may limit its effectiveness, such as peripheral neuropathy. Dichloroacetate may not be an ethical form of treatment, as it does more damage to the body than what it treats. No form of treatment has been proven effective at preventing PDD (Brown,
Metabolism is vital to the body, as it converts proteins, carbohydrates and fats into energy. Aerobic metabolism requires oxygen to function, unlike anaerobic metabolism (Tang, nd). The oxygen breaks down glucose to release energy in the form of ATP, producing carbon dioxide and water as bi-products. The process of aerobic metabolism includes glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, Krebs cycle and the electron transport chain (Pass My Exams, nd).
Slide Three- Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex
The Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex, or PDC, is an important part of the aerobic respiration process. It is a large multi-enzyme complex and one of the central enzymes for aerobic metabolism. The complex acts as a metabolic gateway between glycolysis and the citric acid cycle and is one of the main enzymes for regulating the flow of metabolites between the two …show more content…
Enzyme testing is required to diagnose PDD and to distinguish it from similar conditions (Frye, 2014). Treatment is generally aimed at stimulating the pyruvate complex or providing an alternative source of energy for the brain. Cofactor Supplements containing thiamine, carnitine and lipoic acid is the most common form of treatment, as it optimizes PDC function, facilitates fatty acid transport and increases ATP production (Brown, 2012). Ketogenic diets with restricted carbohydrate intake have been recommended to control lactic acidosis, but have had minimal success (Frye, 2014). Dichloroacetate is currently being tested to determine its effectiveness in treating lactic acidosis, but it has significant side effects that may limit its effectiveness, such as peripheral neuropathy. Dichloroacetate may not be an ethical form of treatment, as it does more damage to the body than what it treats. No form of treatment has been proven effective at preventing PDD (Brown,