Hydroxypyruvic acid

Hydroxypyruvic acid

Hydroxypyruvic acid (also known as 2-hydroxypyruvic acid or 2-hydroxy-2-oxopropanoic acid) is an organic compound and a beta hydroxy acid. It is a derivative of pyruvic acid and is involved in various biochemical processes in the body.

Structure and Properties

Hydroxypyruvic acid is a three-carbon molecule with a carboxylic acid group, a hydroxyl group, and a ketone group. The presence of both a hydroxyl group and a ketone group in the same molecule makes it a beta hydroxy acid. It is a white, crystalline solid at room temperature and is soluble in water.

Biochemical Role

In the body, hydroxypyruvic acid is involved in several biochemical processes. It is an intermediate in the glycolysis pathway, where it is converted to lactic acid by the enzyme lactate dehydrogenase. It is also involved in the gluconeogenesis pathway, where it is converted to glucose by the enzyme glucose-6-phosphatase.

Health Implications

Abnormal levels of hydroxypyruvic acid in the body can be indicative of certain health conditions. Elevated levels can be a sign of lactic acidosis, a condition characterized by an excess of lactic acid in the body. Lower than normal levels can be indicative of glucose-6-phosphatase deficiency, a rare genetic disorder that affects the body's ability to convert glycogen into glucose.

See Also

• Pyruvic acid
• Glycolysis
• Gluconeogenesis
• Lactic acidosis
• Glucose-6-phosphatase deficiency