Aldose reductase

Aldose reductase (pronunciation: al-dohs re-duhk-tase) is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the polyol pathway, a two-step process that converts glucose into sorbitol.

Etymology

The term "Aldose reductase" is derived from the type of sugar, aldose, that it acts upon, and the type of reaction it catalyzes, reduction.

Function

Aldose reductase is the first enzyme in the polyol pathway. It reduces glucose to sorbitol using NADPH as a cofactor. This reaction is reversible, although in human cells, it primarily occurs in the direction of sorbitol production.

Clinical significance

Overactivity of aldose reductase can lead to various health complications, especially in individuals with diabetes mellitus. Excessive conversion of glucose to sorbitol can cause an osmotic imbalance leading to cellular damage in various tissues, including the eyes, nerves, kidneys, and blood vessels. This is the basis for diabetic complications such as diabetic retinopathy, diabetic neuropathy, and diabetic nephropathy.

Inhibitors

Several Aldose reductase inhibitors (ARIs) have been developed to reduce the activity of aldose reductase and thus prevent or slow the progression of diabetic complications. However, their clinical use has been limited due to side effects.

Related terms

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Aldose reductase
Wikipedia's article - Aldose reductase

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Aldose reductase