Importance of ‘Krebs Cycle’ in DentistryA...

Importance of ‘Krebs Cycle’ in DentistryA Narrative Review

Author Name : Dr. Lakshmana Rao. Bathala

ABSTRACT The Krebs cycle, also known as the TCA cycle or citric acid cycle, occurs in the mitochondria by oxidizing acetyl-CoA from carbohydrates, proteins, and fats to produce energy. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH), and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FADH2) are essential cellular energy sources generated by the Krebs cycle. Knowledge of the Krebs cycle helps to understand how different drugs interact in the body, potentially affecting dental treatment. Understanding the TCA cycle and its role in cellular metabolism provides a basis for recognizing the metabolic needs of oral tissues, controlling bacterial infections, treating systemic diseases with oral manifestations, and optimizing drug therapies. This knowledge ultimately contributes to better dental care and overall patient health. The TCA cycle is essential for the production of ATP, the primary energy source for cells. Oral tissues, including the gums and teeth, require significant amounts of energy for maintenance, repair, and protection against infection. Dysfunction of TCA cycle enzymes can lead to a variety of human diseases, including those affecting the oral cavity. Therefore, there is little in dental literature that understands the importance of the citric acid cycle in dental clinical practice for dentists. Therefore, this narrative review aims to discuss the importance and value of the Krebs cycle for dental practitioners.