Aldehyde oxidase

Aldehyde oxidase (AOX) is a metabolic enzyme that is involved in the metabolism of many different substances in the body. It is found in the liver and other tissues and is responsible for oxidizing aldehydes to carboxylic acids.

Function

Aldehyde oxidase is a molybdenum-containing enzyme that is involved in the oxidation of a wide variety of endogenous and exogenous aldehydes. It is a member of the xanthine oxidase family of enzymes and is similar in structure and function to xanthine oxidase.

The enzyme is found in the cytosol of cells and is particularly abundant in the liver, where it plays a key role in the metabolism of drugs and other xenobiotics. It is also involved in the metabolism of purines and pyrimidines, and the biosynthesis of various natural products.

Clinical significance

Alterations in the activity of aldehyde oxidase can have significant clinical implications. For example, decreased activity of the enzyme can lead to the accumulation of potentially toxic aldehydes in the body. This can occur as a result of genetic mutations, drug interactions, or disease states such as liver disease.

Conversely, increased activity of aldehyde oxidase can lead to increased metabolism of certain drugs, potentially reducing their effectiveness. This is of particular concern for drugs that are primarily metabolized by aldehyde oxidase, as changes in the activity of the enzyme can significantly affect the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of these drugs.

See also

• Xanthine oxidase
• Drug metabolism
• Liver disease

References

Aldehyde oxidase Resources
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