Citric acid cycle

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Citric Acid Cycle

The Citric Acid Cycle (Krebs Cycle/TCA Cycle) is a series of enzyme-catalyzed chemical reactions that allow for aerobic respiration to occur within the mitochondria of the cell. When this cycle or its associated parts[1] are not functioning properly subsequent fatigue may take place.

A recent paper started to define how and why people with ME/CFS (pwME) might experience poorly functioning cellular respiration[2]while a review of published papers [3] added empirical evidence of a relationship between mitochondrial dysfunction and fatigue.

According to Ron Davis, speaking at the 2016 IACFS/ME conference, ""ME/CFS patients have a marked decrease in some of the Citric Acid Cycle metabolites while mitochondrial mutations generally cause an increase."[4]


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References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex". Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  2. ↑ https://insight.jci.org/articles/view/89376
  3. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4136529/
  4. ↑ https://www.facebook.com/OpenMedicineFoundation/photos/a.332007933570301.63974.309364692501292/947648405339581/

enzyme a substance produced by a living organism which acts as a catalyst to bring about a specific biochemical reaction.

mitochondria Important parts of the biological cell, with each mitochondrion encased within a mitochondrial membrane. Mitochondria are best known for their role in energy production, earning them the nickname "the powerhouse of the cell". Mitochondria also participate in the detection of threats and the response to these threats. One of the responses to threats orchestrated by mitochondria is apoptosis, a cell suicide program used by cells when the threat can not be eliminated.

metabolite A chemical compound produced by, or involved in, metabolism. The term is often used to refer to the degradation products of drugs in the body.

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