The glyoxalase system catalases the conversion of methylglyoxal (and other 2-ketoaldehydes) to D-latic acid via teh intrmediate S-D-lactoglutathione.It comprises two enzymes, glyoxalases I and glyoxalases II, and catalytic amount to reduced glutathione.Methylglyoxal inhibits cell growth, while the glyoxalase system by breaking down methylglyoxal may act as a promoter of cell growth.Inhibitors of glyoxalase may serve as possible therapeutic agents against cancer by virtue of their ability to elevate the level of methylglyoxal in the body.
The formation of methylglyoxal is increased during hyperglycemia associated with diabetes mellitus. Enhanced methylglyoxal concentration in biological systems is associated with increased reversible and inreversible modification of protein. The chronic exposure to high methylglyoxal concentrations appears to be linked to the development of diabetic complications. Intervention with aldose reductase inhibitors or aminoguanidine, which is an efficient scavenger of methylglyoxal, in diabetes mellitus may prevent increased methylglyoxal concentrations.
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