Methylglyoxal
Methylglyoxal (MGO) is a reactive dicarbonyl compound that is produced as a byproduct of several metabolic pathways. It is a highly reactive molecule and can react with proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids to form advanced glycation end products (AGEs). These reactions can lead to cellular damage and have been implicated in several diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative disorders.
Production and Metabolism[edit | edit source]
Methylglyoxal is produced in the body through several metabolic pathways. The primary source of MGO is from the degradation of glucose through the glycolytic pathway, specifically during the conversion of dihydroxyacetone phosphate (DHAP) to glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate (G3P). Other sources of MGO include the metabolism of amino acids, lipids, and the degradation of glycated proteins.
The body has several mechanisms to detoxify MGO and prevent its accumulation. The primary detoxification pathway is through the glyoxalase system, which consists of two enzymes, glyoxalase I and glyoxalase II. This system converts MGO to D-lactate, which is then further metabolized or excreted in the urine.
Role in Disease[edit | edit source]
Methylglyoxal has been implicated in several diseases, primarily through its ability to form advanced glycation end products (AGEs). These compounds can cause cellular damage and have been linked to a variety of diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative disorders.
In diabetes, high levels of glucose can lead to increased production of MGO, which can then react with proteins to form AGEs. These compounds can cause damage to various tissues and organs, contributing to the complications of diabetes.
Methylglyoxal has also been linked to cardiovascular disease. It can react with low-density lipoprotein (LDL), leading to the formation of glycated LDL, which is more prone to oxidation and can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis.
In neurodegenerative disorders, MGO can react with proteins in the brain to form AGEs, which can cause neuronal damage and contribute to the progression of diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
See Also[edit | edit source]
- Glyoxalase system
- Advanced glycation end product
- Diabetes
- Cardiovascular disease
- Neurodegenerative disorders
| Methylglyoxal Resources | |
|---|---|
|
 |
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
