Question:

Which isoform of LDH is raised in anemia?

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Think which LDH isoform is concentrated inside red blood cells.
Updated On: Jun 24, 2026
  • LDH 5
  • LDH 4
  • LDH 3
  • LDH 2
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is a tetramer made of H (heart) and M (muscle) subunits, giving five isoenzymes. LDH-1 (H4) and LDH-2 (H3M1) predominate in tissues rich in mitochondria and red cells, such as heart and erythrocytes.

Step 2: Red blood cells are especially rich in LDH-2. In megaloblastic (and other) anemia there is increased intramedullary destruction of red cell precursors and haemolysis, which releases LDH-2 into the serum and raises its level.

Step 3: Therefore the isoform raised in anemia is LDH-2 (option d). LDH-5 (M4) rises mainly in liver disease and skeletal muscle injury, while LDH-3 is linked to lung and lymphoid tissue, so options a, b and c do not fit anemia.
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