Dichloroacetate Inhibits the Enzyme Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Kinase $\alpha$ -Subunit of the Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Component of Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex

Dichloroacetate inhibits the enzyme pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase. As a result, this compound has been used with limited success to treat lactic acidosis. Phosphorylation of the $\alpha$ -subunit of the pyruvate dehydrogenase component of pyruvate dehydrogenase complex by pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase causes complete loss of enzymatic activity. Describe the theory behind the clinical use of dichloroacetate.