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Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Deficiency

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Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Deficiency

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Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Deficiency

Pie-root Dehydrator Broken
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Pyruvate dehydrogenase deficiency is a metabolic disorder caused by a deficiency of the pyruvate dehydrogenase enzyme complex. This complex consists of three enzymes that transform pyruvate to acetyl CoA via pyruvate decarboxylation. Acetyl CoA then enters the citric acid cycle. Deficiency of this enzyme causes a backup of pyruvate, which is commonly converted to alanine. Because acetyl CoA cannot be produced to enter the Kreb cycle, aerobic metabolism is severely impaired and the body uses anaerobic pathways to produce ATP. This causes a severe elevation of lactic acid. Because this enzyme complex requires thiamine as a cofactor, a pyruvate dehydrogenase deficiency can also be acquired from a thiamine deficiency. Individuals can present with severe neurologic defects due to a large energy deficit. Severe enzyme deficiencies can also lead to congenital brain malformation due to lack of ATP during neural development. Treatment includes thiamine supplementation and ketogenic diets including amino acids like lysine and leucine to limit lactic acidosis. 

6 KEY FACTS
CHARACTERISTICS
Acquired from Thiamine Deficiency
Thigh-man Tied-up

Because this enzyme complex requires thiamine as a cofactor, a pyruvate dehydrogenase deficiency can also be acquired from a thiamine deficiency.

Backup of Alanine and Pyruvate
Backup of Aladdins with Pie-roots

The pyruvate dehydrogenase enzyme complex consists of three enzymes that transform pyruvate to acetyl CoA via pyruvate decarboxylation. Deficiency of this enzyme causes a backup of pyruvate, which is commonly converted to alanine.

SYMPTOMS AND COMPLICATIONS
Neurologic Defects
Neuron

Individuals can present with severe neurologic defects due to a large energy deficit. Severe enzyme deficiencies can also lead to congenital brain malformation due to lack of ATP during neural development.

Lactic Acidosis
Lake of Acidic-lemon

Because acetyl CoA cannot be produced to enter the Kreb cycle, aerobic metabolism is severely impaired and the body uses anaerobic pathways to produce ATP. This causes a severe elevation of lactic acid.

INTERVENTIONS
Ketogenic Nutrients
Ketone-key

Treatment includes thiamine supplementation and ketogenic diets including amino acids like lysine and leucine to limit lactic acidosis.

Lysine and Leucine (Ketogenic Nutrients)
L icing cake and Lucy

Lysine and leucine are the only purely ketogenic amino acids, which are used in the treatment of individuals with pyruvate dehydrogenase deficiency to limit lactic acidosis.

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