Alpha-Ketoglutarate
Optimal Result:
0 - 35 mcg/mg creatinine.
Other names: AKG, α-KG, 2-oxoglutarate, 2OG
Alpha-Ketoglutarate is an organic acid that is important for the proper metabolism of all essential amino acids. It is formed in the Krebs cycle, the energy-producing process that occurs in most body cells.
The Krebs cycle (aka Citric Acid cycle) is a series of chemical reactions used by all aerobic organisms to release stored energy through the oxidation of acetyl-CoA derived from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into ATP.
AKG (alpha-ketoglutarate) is the nitrogen-free portion of the amino acids known as glutamine and glutamic acid, which is involved in protein synthesis that may play a role in supporting healthy blood glucose levels. Alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG) helps maintain normal levels of ammonia in the brain, muscles and kidneys, as well as the body’s nitrogen balance in body tissues and fluids.
AKG is used by cells during growth and in healing from injuries and other wounds, and is especially important in the healing of muscle tissue.
α-Ketoglutarate is one of the most important nitrogen transporters in metabolic pathways. The amino groups of amino acids are attached to it (by transamination) and carried to the liver where the urea cycle takes place.
References:
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What does it mean if your Alpha-Ketoglutarate result is too high?
α-Ketoglutarate, like pyruvate, requires a dehydrogenase enzyme which also requires vitamin B1 , B2 , B3 , B5 , and lipoic acid to function properly.
An elevation of α-ketoglutarate can indicate a need for one or more of these B vitamins.
The mineral elements magnesium, iron, and manganese are additional factors that are frequently needed in the Krebs cycle pathways. Magnesium is required for conversion of succinate. In addition, the entire central energy pathway is dependent on iron and manganese.
A need for CoQ10 may also be identified when α-ketoglutarate, succinate, fumurate, and malate are all elevated
High urine levels of alpha-KG can also be found in people with hyperinsulinism-hyperammonemia syndrome (HHS). Hyperinsulinism-hyperammonemia syndrome is a frequent form of diazoxide-sensitive diffuse hyperinsulinism, characterized by an excessive/ uncontrolled insulin secretion (inappropriate for the level of glycemia), asymptomatic hyperammonemia and recurrent episodes of profound hypoglycemia induced by fasting and protein rich meals, requiring rapid and intensive treatment to prevent neurological sequelae. Epilepsy and cognitive deficit that are unrelated to hypoglycemia may also occur.
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What does it mean if your Alpha-Ketoglutarate result is too low?
The energy pathways in your cells require the key compounds citrate, a-ketoglutarate, and succinate, which are formed from essential amino acids. Low levels of citrate, a-ketoglutarate, and succinate may indicate amino acid imbalances that can affect your energy pathways.
Low levels of α-ketoglutarate may reflect lack of precursors higher up from enzymatic dysfunction due to lack of nutritional cofactors, genetic defects, or toxin exposures.
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