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Pyruvate Metabolism Bypass

Meaning

Pyruvate Metabolism Bypass is a metabolic strategy or physiological state where the cellular energy production pathway circumvents the normal fate of pyruvate, which is typically its conversion to acetyl-CoA for entry into the mitochondrial Krebs cycle. This bypass often involves the direct utilization of alternative substrates, such as ketone bodies or lactate, thereby reducing the reliance on glucose-derived pyruvate. Clinically, this mechanism is relevant for supporting cellular energy in conditions of mitochondrial dysfunction or glucose hypometabolism.