ALDEHYDE REDUCTASE Meaning and
Definition
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Aldehyde reductase is an enzyme found in the human body that participates in various metabolic processes. It belongs to the oxidoreductase family of enzymes and is responsible for catalyzing the conversion of aldehydes into their corresponding alcohols. Aldehydes are organic compounds that contain a carbonyl group (-CHO) at the end of a carbon chain. Aldehyde reductase reduces the carbonyl group by transferring electrons from a coenzyme called NADPH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate) to the aldehyde substrate, resulting in the formation of an alcohol.
This enzyme is involved in numerous physiological functions, including the detoxification and elimination of harmful aldehydes generated during oxidative stress. It plays a vital role in cellular defense against oxidative damage by neutralizing reactive aldehydes, which can have harmful effects on proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids. Aldehyde reductase is also involved in the metabolism of several endogenous compounds, such as glucose, steroids, and biogenic amines.
Abnormalities or deficiencies in aldehyde reductase activity can lead to a variety of pathological conditions. For example, reduced enzyme activity has been associated with the accumulation of toxic aldehydes and the development of diabetic complications, including peripheral neuropathy and retinopathy. Conversely, elevated levels of aldehyde reductase have been observed in certain cancers, suggesting its potential involvement in tumor growth and progression.
In summary, aldehyde reductase is an essential enzyme with diverse roles in cellular metabolism, detoxification, and protection against oxidative stress. Understanding its function and regulation may provide insights into the development of therapeutic interventions for related diseases and conditions.
Common Misspellings for ALDEHYDE REDUCTASE
- zldehyde reductase
- sldehyde reductase
- wldehyde reductase
- qldehyde reductase
- akdehyde reductase
- apdehyde reductase
- aodehyde reductase
- alsehyde reductase
- alxehyde reductase
- alcehyde reductase
- alfehyde reductase
- alrehyde reductase
- aleehyde reductase
- aldwhyde reductase
- aldshyde reductase
- alddhyde reductase
- aldrhyde reductase
- ald4hyde reductase
- ald3hyde reductase
- aldegyde reductase
Etymology of ALDEHYDE REDUCTASE
The word "Aldehyde Reductase" has its etymology rooted in the combination of two terms: "aldehyde" and "reductase".
- Aldehyde: The term "aldehyde" originates from the Latin word "al(cohol) dehydrogenatum", which translates to "dehydrogenated alcohol". "Alcohol" itself comes from the Arabic term "al-kuhul" or "al-Ghawl", referring to a fine powder used as a cosmetic in ancient times. The suffix "-de" indicates removal or absence, while "hydrogen" represents the element involved in redox reactions. Therefore, an aldehyde refers to a compound resulting from the removal of hydrogen atoms from an alcohol.
- Reductase: The term "reductase" is formed by adding the suffix "-ase" to "reduct".
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