Diabetes Metab J. 2014 Jun;38(3):181-6. doi: 10.4093/dmj.2014.38.3.181.
Diabetes & metabolism journal
In-Kyu Lee
PMID: 25003070 PMCID: PMC4083023 DOI: 10.4093/dmj.2014.38.3.181
The pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC) is an emerging target for the treatment of metabolic syndrome. To maintain a steady-state concentration of adenosine triphosphate during the feed-fast cycle, cells require efficient utilization of fatty acid and glucose, which is controlled by the PDC. The PDC converts pyruvate, coenzyme A (CoA), and oxidized nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD(+)) into acetyl-CoA, reduced form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH), and carbon dioxide. The activity of the PDC is up- and down-regulated by pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase and pyruvate dehydrogenase phosphatase, respectively. In addition, pyruvate is a key intermediate of glucose oxidation and an important precursor for the synthesis of glucose, glycerol, fatty acids, and nonessential amino acids.
Keywords: Diabetes mellitus; Obesity; Pyruvate dehydrogenase (acetyl-transferring) kinase