LD full form in medical term is Lactate Dehydrogenase”. This enzyme is found in many different types of cells in the body, including muscle cells, liver cells, and red blood cells. It catalyzes the conversion of lactate to pyruvate, a crucial step in cellular respiration, the process by which cells produce energy from glucose.
Blood tests can measure lactate dehydrogenase levels to evaluate the health of various organs, particularly the liver, heart, and muscles. Elevated lactate dehydrogenase levels in the blood can be a sign of tissue damage or injury, as the enzyme is released from damaged cells into the bloodstream. This can occur in a variety of conditions, such as liver disease, muscle disorders, cancer, infections, and heart attacks.
Lactate dehydrogenase is also used as a tumour marker in certain types of cancer, such as lymphoma, as cancer cells can release high levels of the enzyme into the bloodstream. Measuring lactate dehydrogenase levels can help diagnose and monitor the treatment and prognosis of these cancers. Elevated enzyme levels in the blood can be a sign of tissue damage or injury and can be used as a diagnostic for certain types of cancer.