George Brooks, Ph.D. on Lactate Shuttle Theory, Relevance for Traumatic Brain Injury & More

Early Intervention

Dr. George Brooks highlights the potential benefits of lactate infusion following a traumatic brain injury (TBI). He emphasizes the importance of early intervention, suggesting that administering lactate as soon as possible could be more effective in preventing further brain damage. Brooks also discusses the challenges of obtaining consent for experimental treatments, particularly when patients are in a coma.

I personally think that if we instituted a lactate infusion when the person is admitted to the intensive care unit, that would probably be more helpful.

--- George Brooks

Future research aims to establish lactate infusion as a standard procedure, potentially allowing medics to administer it immediately after an injury 1 2.

   

Fuel Source

Brooks explains that lactate is preferred over glucose as a fuel source for the brain, especially after a TBI when glucose metabolism is impaired. He describes how lactate can bypass the blocked glycolysis process, providing essential energy to the brain. This glucose-sparing effect allows glucose to be used for other critical functions, such as producing antioxidants.

If glycolysis is blocked and we can augment the total energy supply by giving lactate, that's what we seek to do.

--- George Brooks

This holistic approach aims to nourish both the brain and the body, ensuring that the brain receives adequate fuel even in compromised conditions 3 4.

   

Medical Applications

The potential applications of lactate in medicine extend beyond TBI treatment. Brooks discusses how lactate could be used in emergency care, such as in car accidents or sports injuries, to mitigate metabolic crises. He also explores the competition between lactate and ketone bodies as fuel sources, noting that lactate often outcompetes ketones for transport into cells.

Lactate is preferred to get in right. It outcompetes because it really fits the transporter configuration better than the other things do.

--- George Brooks

Future research will focus on optimizing lactate formulations and delivery methods to maximize their therapeutic potential 4 5.