D-galactitol-[2-13C]

D-galactitol-[2-13C] is an isotopically labeled sugar alcohol used in various biochemical and metabolic research applications. Here are some key applications of D-galactitol-[2-13C]:

Metabolic Pathway Tracing: D-galactitol-[2-13C] is utilized in metabolic studies to trace the pathways of galactose metabolism. By incorporating the labeled compound, researchers can track its incorporation into metabolic intermediates using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy or mass spectrometry. This helps in elucidating the fate of galactose in metabolic networks and examining enzyme activities.

Stable Isotope-Labeling Studies: In biochemistry, D-galactitol-[2-13C] is used to label biomolecules in order to study their synthesis and turnover in living organisms. This application is particularly useful in understanding the dynamics of polysaccharides, nucleic acids, and proteins. The labeled compound helps in providing detailed insights into biosynthetic processes and nutrient utilization.

Diagnostic Research: D-galactitol-[2-13C] serves as a potential diagnostic tool for disorders related to carbohydrate metabolism. For example, it can be used in breath tests to assess the activity of hepatic enzymes involved in galactose metabolism. Abnormal patterns of labeled carbon dioxide in exhaled air can indicate metabolic deficiencies or liver dysfunctions.

Drug Metabolism Studies: The labeled compound is valuable in pharmaceutical research to study the pharmacokinetics and biotransformation of drugs that interact with galactose metabolism. By tracking the labeled molecule, researchers can determine how drugs affect metabolic pathways and assess their safety and efficacy. Such studies can lead to better drug design and optimization for treating metabolic disorders.