‘Glycolysis’- Its Role in Prosthodontics- A Narrative Review

Glycolysis, found in almost all organisms, is a metabolic pathway providing anaerobic energy. The Embden-Meyerhof pathway is also known by another name. The procedure involves the oxidation of glucose molecules, the most important organic fuel in plants, microbes, and animals. During glycolysis, 2 ATP molecules are used up, resulting in the production of 4 ATP, 2 NADH, and 2 pyruvates for every glucose molecule. Pyruvate can be utilized in the citric acid cycle or act as a precursor for additional reactions. Glycolysis involves two stages that take place within the cytosol of cells. The initial stage is known as the “investment” phase as it requires two ATP molecules, while the following stage is referred to as the “payoff” phase. All of these reactions are facilitated by their respective enzyme, with phosphofructokinase being crucial for regulating glycolysis speed. The disrupted Glycolysis pathway plays a crucial part in dental conditions. The prosthodontist should be aware of these conditions and strategically plan for patients impacted by these faulty glycolytic conditions.