Sports & performance

LDH

General cellular-damage marker.

Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is an enzyme found in nearly all body tissues. It plays a crucial role in cellular respiration, facilitating the conversion of pyruvate to lactate during anaerobic metabolism. This process is essential for producing energy when oxygen supply is limited, such as during intense physical activity. Because LDH is present in many cell types, its release into the bloodstream typically indicates cellular damage or tissue injury. Measuring LDH levels provides insight into the metabolic state of various tissues and can be relevant in assessing cellular integrity, particularly in contexts like sports physiology.