Importance of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) in cancer cells

BACKGROUND: In most regions, cancer ranks the second most frequent cause of death following cardiovascular disorders. AIM: In this article, we review the various aspects of glycolysis with a focus on types of MCTs and the importance of lactate in cancer cells. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Metabolic changes are one of the first and most important alterations in cancer cells. Cancer cells use different pathways to survive, energy generation, growth, and proliferation compared to normal cells. The increase in glycolysis, which produces substances such as lactate and pyruvate, has an important role in metastases and invasion of cancer cells. Two important cellular proteins that play a role in the production and transport of lactate include lactate dehydrogenase and monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs). These molecules by their various isoforms and different tissue distribution help to escape the immune system and expansion of cancer cells under different conditions.