L-Glucose: physiological functions, clinical applications and side effect

General Description

L-Glucose is a monosaccharide that plays a crucial role in providing energy for cellular metabolism and maintaining blood sugar levels. It also serves as a precursor for the synthesis of essential biomolecules. While it has potential clinical applications, including as a non-metabolizable alternative to glucose and a carrier for targeted drug delivery, its consumption should be avoided or consumed in moderation due to its potential negative effects on the body. These include the development of insulin resistance, hypoglycemia, oxidative stress, and the formation of advanced glycation end-products. Understanding the role of L-Glucose is crucial for maintaining a healthy body and developing innovative therapies for diabetes management and drug delivery systems.

Figure 1. Solution of L-Glucose

Physiological functions

L-Glucose is a monosaccharide and the primary source of energy for living organisms. It plays a crucial role in various physiological processes within the human body. First and foremost, L-Glucose is an essential nutrient that provides energy for cellular metabolism. It is readily absorbed into the bloodstream after ingestion and transported to cells throughout the body. Inside the cells, L-Glucose undergoes glycolysis, a series of enzymatic reactions that break it down into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy currency of the cell. Furthermore, L-Glucose is involved in maintaining blood sugar levels. It stimulates the release of insulin from the pancreas, which facilitates the uptake of glucose by cells and helps regulate blood glucose concentration. This process is vital for normal brain function and overall body metabolism. L-Glucose also serves as a precursor for the synthesis of other important molecules in the body. It contributes to the formation of complex carbohydrates, such as glycogen, which are stored in the liver and muscles for future energy needs. Additionally, L-Glucose can be used to produce nucleotides, which are building blocks of DNA and RNA. In summary, L-Glucose is a key player in energy metabolism and blood sugar regulation. Its physiological effects extend beyond energy production, as it participates in the synthesis of essential biomolecules. Understanding the role of L-Glucose is crucial for maintaining a healthy body and ensuring proper physiological functioning. ¹

Clinical applications

L-Glucose is an enantiomer of glucose that has the same chemical formula but a different spatial arrangement. While glucose is the most abundant sugar in nature and serves as a crucial energy source in living organisms, L-Glucose has a limited presence in natural sources. In clinical applications, L-Glucose has been studied for its potential therapeutic uses. One of the main areas of interest is its role in diabetes management. L-Glucose has been investigated as a non-metabolizable alternative to D-glucose, the commonly used form of glucose. By utilizing L-Glucose instead of D-Glucose, researchers aim to develop strategies to regulate blood glucose levels without triggering metabolic responses or insulin secretion. This approach could provide new avenues for diabetic patients who struggle with managing their blood sugar levels. Furthermore, L-Glucose has shown promise in drug delivery systems. Its non-metabolizable nature allows for prolonged circulation and reduced clearance from the body, making it suitable for enhancing the bioavailability of certain drugs. Studies have explored L-Glucose-based nanoparticles as carriers for targeted drug delivery, improving drug efficacy and minimizing side effects. While L-Glucose is still undergoing extensive research and development, its clinical applications hold great potential for advancing diabetes management and drug delivery systems. ²

Side effect

L-glucose, also known as levoglucose, is a stereoisomer of glucose that is rarely found naturally in organisms. While it may seem similar to glucose in structure and function, the body is unable to metabolize L-glucose in the same way as it does glucose. Studies have suggested that the consumption of L-glucose can lead to various health concerns in the long term, such as the development of insulin resistance, which can lead to type 2 diabetes. Additionally, L-glucose has been found to inhibit the uptake and metabolism of D-glucose, which can result in hypoglycemia or low blood sugar levels. Furthermore, research has shown that L-glucose can cause oxidative stress, leading to damage to cells and tissues in the body. It has also been linked to the formation of advanced glycation end-products, which are known to contribute to the development of various age-related diseases. In conclusion, while L-glucose may seem innocuous, its potential negative effects on the body make it a substance to be avoided or consumed in moderation. ³

Reference

1. Mergenthaler P, Lindauer U, Dienel GA, Meisel A. Sugar for the brain: the role of glucose in physiological and pathological brain function. Trends Neurosci. 2013 Oct;36(10):587-597.

2. Chen WH, Luo GF, Vázquez-González M, Cazelles R, Sohn YS, Nechushtai R, Mandel Y, Willner I. Glucose-Responsive Metal-Organic-Framework Nanoparticles Act as "Smart" Sense-and-Treat Carriers. ACS Nano. 2018 Aug 28;12(8):7538-7545.

3. Neale RJ, Wiseman G. Active transport of L-glucose by isolated small intestine of the dietary-restricted rat. J Physiol. 1968 Oct;198(3):601-611.

You may like