Understanding Metabolism: Insights from a Biochemist
In the realm of health and wellness on social media, claims abound about products purportedly enhancing metabolism. But what exactly is metabolism? It encompasses all the processes your body undergoes, influenced by factors ranging from lifestyle choices to exposure to airborne viruses, ultimately shaping your physical traits, such as blood pressure and energy levels. This amalgamation of biological traits is termed your phenotype, with metabolism being the primary biological system directly shaping it.
Metabolism, at its core, revolves around energy conversion. It comprises a complex network of molecules and proteins that transform the food you consume into the energy and building blocks essential for bodily functions like movement, growth, and repair. This intricate chemical dance begins as the three macronutrients – carbohydrates, fats, and proteins – are broken down atom by atom to release electrons from chemical bonds. These electrons then power cellular components called mitochondria, akin to how batteries function, generating a different form of chemical energy vital for cellular processes.
As a biochemist studying metabolism, my team and I delve into its various networks, exploring how they adapt as the body undergoes changes. By examining specific metabolic traits across diverse conditions – from diseases like COVID-19 to unique environments such as radiation exposure and sports performance – we gain insights into the intricate workings of metabolism.
Elite athletes serve as an ideal group for studying optimal metabolic function. Their finely tuned molecular and chemical reactions are essential for competing at the highest levels. For instance, lactate threshold, a critical measure of athletic performance, showcases how efficiently mitochondria utilize energy. Elite cyclists, with higher thresholds and markers of superior mitochondrial function, demonstrate enhanced fat metabolism and endurance compared to their counterparts.
Conversely, acute illnesses like COVID-19 highlight dysfunctional metabolism. Patients exhibit impaired fat metabolism, possibly contributing to persistent symptoms like fatigue. COVID-19's impact on red blood cells, crucial for oxygen transport, underscores mitochondrial dysfunction's role in symptomatology.
Blood donors, representing a moderately healthy population, offer valuable insights into metabolic diversity. Analyzing over 13,000 donors' blood revealed specific traits, such as kynurenine levels, correlating with health outcomes. Elevated kynurenine, associated with inflammation and age, affects blood transfusion efficacy and serves as a marker for COVID-19 severity.
Understanding healthy metabolism provides invaluable insights into pathological deviations and potential therapeutic approaches. By unraveling metabolism's complexities, we pave the way for innovative medical interventions and improved health outcomes.