Put simply, Lactic acidosis is the build-up of lactic acid in the bloodstream that is being formed quicker than it is being removed. But how does this happen, why is it a bad thing and when does it happen?
In order to survive, cells need energy in the form of a molecule known as ATP. This helpful little molecule can be broken down into its constituent parts to release energy intended for cellular processes such as protein formation and DNA replication. ATP is mostly synthesised through a process known as aerobic respiration in which oxygen and glucose molecules are essential. This process is the cells most efficient method of producing ATP. However, in certain circumstances Oxygen is available in sufficient concentrations for aerobic respiration to occur. So ATP has to be synthesised anaerobically (without oxygen), which is much less efficient and results in the production of you guessed it… LACTIC ACID!
But why is it dangerous? Enzymes are a group of proteins that are essential to the functioning of cells and carry out a diverse range of roles in the body. From digestion to replicating the DNA in each one of our cells. But in order to carry out these vital roles efficiently they need to be in the optimum conditions. This includes the pH of the area that they are surrounded by. When the pH becomes too low or too high for that particular enzyme (and it’s different for each one), the bonding that holds the enzyme together begins to break apart. So when lactic acid is released in excessive quantities, the pH of the bloodstream lowers and becomes more acidic. This can not only denature enzymes but also proteins that hold cells together, resulting in significant damage to body tissues.
However, acidosis can also be caused by diabetes (metabolic acidosis), and as a result of vomiting and diarrhoea (hyperchloremic acidosis). Metabolic acidosis can be caused by poorly managed diabetes in which a lack of insulin causes a buildup of ketones in the blood which can also result in a lower blood pH. Hyperchloremic acidosis occurs when the body suffers from a depletion in sodium bicarbonate. Sodium Bicarbonate acts as a neutraliser and prevents the pH of the body becoming too acidic. Symptoms of all of these variations of acidosis include fatigue, headaches and confusion, among others. Thankfully, swift treatment of the causes of acidosis usually results in a full recovery.
Most people associate acid with vats of bubbling, green goo in mad professors laboratories but alas, it can be found inside your very own body. So hopefully acidosis is something that you will never have to deal with but at least now you can think of yourself as your very own vat of bubbling, green goo. You are welcome.
Daniel
sources:
http://www.nhs.uk/ipgmedia/National/NAM/assets/Lacticacidosis.pdf
https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000391.htm
https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000594.htm
https://aidsinfo.nih.gov/education-materials/fact-sheets/22/68/hiv-and-lactic-acidosis
http://www.healthline.com/health/acidosis#Prevention7
Click to access Lacticacidosis.pdf
Click to access Lacticacidosis.pdf
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