What is another name for lactate dehydrogenase?

Under normal circumstances, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is an NAD-dependent enzyme composed of three subunits—LDHA, LDHB, and LDHC—which can form six types of tetrameric isoenzymes. The details are as follows:

Lactate dehydrogenase is widely distributed in various tissues and organs throughout the body and functions as a glycolytic enzyme. It is most abundant in the heart muscle, skeletal muscle, and kidneys, and is also present in relatively high levels in other organs such as the liver, spleen, lungs, pancreas, and tumor tissues. Clinically, lactate dehydrogenase has certain auxiliary value in diagnosing conditions such as acute myocardial infarction, liver diseases, tumors, and skeletal muscle disorders.

The normal reference range for lactate dehydrogenase is generally 109 U/L to 245 U/L. Low levels of LDH may result from malnutrition, chronic sleep deprivation, high mental stress, or endocrine disorders. Elevated LDH levels may indicate cardiac conditions such as acute myocardial infarction or viral myocarditis, which cause myocardial cell necrosis. Additionally, diseases like hepatitis and nephritis, particularly when associated with abnormal liver function or renal failure, may also lead to increased LDH levels.

When LDH levels are either elevated or decreased and the underlying condition is unclear, a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation should be performed by integrating the patient's medical history and results from other tests. Patients experiencing symptoms are advised to seek timely medical attention and receive standardized treatment under a physician’s guidance, which helps promote recovery.