Biochemical Basis of Diseases
Definition:
Biochemical basis of diseases refers to the molecular-level understanding of the physiological and biochemical processes that underlie the development and progression of diseases.
Key Points:
- Genetic Factors: Mutations or variations in genes, including point mutations, chromosomal aberrations, and genetic polymorphisms, can contribute to disease susceptibility.
- Enzyme Defects: Alterations in enzyme structure or function, such as mutations or post-translational modifications, can lead to metabolic imbalances.
- Metabolic Dysregulation: Impaired cellular metabolism, such as dysregulation of glucose homeostasis or lipid metabolism, can cause various diseases.
- Immune System Dysfunction: Abnormalities in the immune system, including autoimmune disorders and immunodeficiencies, can result from biochemical imbalances.
- Pathogen-Host Interaction: The interaction between disease-causing agents (e.g., bacteria, viruses) and the host's biochemical processes influences disease severity and outcomes.
- Precision Medicine: Understanding the biochemical basis of diseases enables precision medicine approaches, where treatments are tailored to an individual's genetic and biochemical profile.
Conclusion:
By elucidating the biochemical basis of diseases, researchers and clinicians can gain insights into disease pathogenesis, identify potential therapeutic targets, and develop personalized treatment strategies that improve patient outcomes.
Biochemical Basis of Diseases Experiment
Experiment: Determination of Lactic Acid in Blood
Principle:
This experiment demonstrates the biochemical basis of lactic acidosis, a condition where there is an abnormal accumulation of lactic acid in the blood. Lactic acid is a by-product of anaerobic metabolism, and its elevated levels can indicate a number of underlying health conditions.
Materials:
- Blood sample
- Lactate dehydrogenase enzyme
- NADH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide)
- Pyruvate
- Spectrophotometer
Procedure:
- Prepare a reaction mixture containing the blood sample, lactate dehydrogenase enzyme, NADH, and pyruvate.
- Incubate the reaction mixture at 37°C for 30 minutes.
- Measure the absorbance of the reaction mixture at 340 nm using a spectrophotometer.
Key Procedures:
- The use of lactate dehydrogenase enzyme is crucial as it catalyzes the conversion of lactate to pyruvate, which produces NADH.
- The change in absorbance at 340 nm corresponds to the amount of NADH produced, which is proportional to the concentration of lactic acid in the blood sample.
Significance:
This experiment demonstrates the role of lactic acid in the biochemical basis of certain diseases. Elevated levels of lactic acid can indicate:
- Anaerobic metabolism during strenuous exercise
- Mitochondrial disorders
- Shock or sepsis
By measuring lactic acid levels, clinicians can diagnose and monitor these conditions, allowing for appropriate medical interventions.