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Updated: Jul 10, 2026
11:43
Hyperpolarized 13C Metabolic Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy and Imaging
Published on: December 30, 2016
Summary
Lactic acidosis arises from an imbalance in lactate production and utilization, with altered pyruvate metabolism being key. Impaired liver function in processing lactate can lead to this condition and affect acid-base balance.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Physiology
- Pathophysiology
Background:
- Cellular redox, interorgan lactate flux, and lactate metabolism are crucial in lactic acidosis.
- Pyruvate metabolism alterations are central to lactic acidosis and hyperlactatemia development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the roles of cellular redox, interorgan lactate flux, and lactate metabolism in lactic acidosis pathogenesis.
- To highlight the central role of pyruvate metabolism in lactic acidosis.
- To emphasize the liver's role in lactate homeostasis and acid-base balance.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on lactate metabolism and acid-base balance.
- Discussion of the quantitative aspects of lactate metabolism.
- Analysis of interorgan lactate flux and its implications.
Main Results:
- Lactic acidosis results from an imbalance between lactate production and utilization.
- Lactate utilization for oxidation and glucose resynthesis is vital for acid-base balance.
- Impaired hepatic lactate utilization can precipitate lactic acidosis.
Conclusions:
- Altered pyruvate metabolism is fundamental to lactic acidosis.
- The liver plays a critical role in maintaining acid-base balance through lactate homeostasis.
- Dysfunction in hepatic lactate processing is a significant factor in lactic acidosis development.
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