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Lactate and cognition: a dual modulator.

Wen Yang1,2, Yu Xu2,3, Kunhua Wang2

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|March 16, 2026
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Lactate is a key brain molecule influencing cognition. While it can enhance brain function, too much lactate or impaired transport may cause problems, highlighting its complex role.

Keywords:
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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Metabolic Research
  • Cognitive Science

Background:

  • Lactate, once seen only as a metabolic waste, is now recognized as vital for brain energy and signaling.
  • The astrocyte-neuron lactate shuttle links energy metabolism to neuronal function.
  • Lactate impacts synaptic plasticity, neuroinflammation, and epigenetic regulation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review lactate metabolism in the central nervous system.
  • To highlight lactate's physiological roles and effects on cognition.
  • To explore lactate's potential as a biomarker and therapeutic target.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of current research on lactate in the central nervous system.
  • Synthesis of studies on lactate's metabolic and signaling functions.
  • Analysis of lactate's bidirectional impact on cognitive processes.

Main Results:

  • Lactate plays multifaceted roles beyond metabolism, influencing neuronal resilience and cognitive function.
  • Lactate acts as a double-edged regulator, promoting enhancement or dysfunction depending on context.
  • Evidence suggests lactate's involvement in neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dynamics, and epigenetic regulation.

Conclusions:

  • Lactate is a critical factor in brain function, impacting cognition through various mechanisms.
  • Understanding lactate's complex role is crucial for developing strategies against cognitive impairment.
  • Lactate serves as a context-dependent metabolic indicator, not a specific disease biomarker.