Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is an enzyme found in nearly all body tissues. It plays a crucial role in converting lactate to pyruvate during the process of glycolysis, which is how cells generate energy. LDH is important for maintaining the balance of NAD+ and NADH, two molecules that help in energy production. LDH exists in different forms, known as isoenzymes, which are specific to various tissues, such as the heart, liver, and muscles. Measuring LDH levels in the blood can help diagnose conditions like heart attacks, liver disease, and certain types of cancer, as elevated levels may indicate tissue damage.