You are a physician working in a clinic, who sees many transient workers. You find that almost 30% of the patients you see are deficient in thiamin and their erythrocytes are markedly deficient in transketolase activity. Examination of liver function in these individuals would most likely show deficiency in which of the following metabolic processes?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Thiamin is a cofactor for the enzyme pyruvate dehydrogenase, which is necessary for the conversion of pyruvate to acetyl-CoA. A deficiency in thiamin would impair this metabolic process.  Thiamin serves as the precursor for TPP. TPP is necessary as a cofactor for the PDHc and, therefore, a deficiency of thiamin results in impaired oxidation of pyruvate to acetyl-CoA.

You Are a Physician Working in a Clinic, Who Sees