General description

Pyruvate is a central molecule in metabolism that is used and synthesized through multiple metabolic pathways including glycolysis and the transamination of alanine. Pyruvate may be further oxidized in the citric acid cycle, converted to carbohydrates during gluconeogenesis, or reduced to lactate. High levels of pyruvate are associated with liver disease and genetic disorders. Pyruvate has also been used to stimulate metabolism leading to loss of body weight.

Principle

Pyruvate concentration is determined by a coupled enzyme assay, which results in a colorimetric (570 nm)/fluorometric (λ_ex = 535/λ_em = 587 nm) product, proportional to the pyruvate present.

Suitability

Suitable for measuring pyruvate kinase activity in various biological samples such as blood, tissues, and culture cells.