Production of Lactic Acid or Lactate

The situation is complex, but illustrates the fact that there may be many as yet unsuspected anticancer agents, and which act by unsuspected means. 

That cancer cell metabolism may alternately be supported by glutaminolysis or aminolysis is an additional complication in attempting to suppress cancer growth. 

Glutamine ( — H2O added) glutaminase 4-Glutamate (— NH3 released) glutamate dehydrogenase 4- 

FIGURE 3.3 Glutaminolysis as it may interface with the tricarboxylic acid cycle, with enzymes shown. (Based on information in Eigenbrodt et al., 1985, pp. 145, 153 Voet and Voet, Biochemistry, 1995, p. 741 Diamondstone, in DevUn, 1986, p. 583). Under carbohydrate or glucose restrictions, all lactate will be produced from glutamine rather than from glucose via glycolysis. 

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