Glutathione peroxidase

Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) is an enzyme containing four selenium atoms that protect the body from oxidative damage. It is a crucial component of the body's antioxidant defense system, which helps to maintain the balance of oxygen and hydrogen peroxide in cells.

Function[edit | edit source]

GPx functions to reduce lipid hydroperoxides to their corresponding alcohols and to reduce free hydrogen peroxide to water. There are several isozymes of GPx that vary in cellular location and substrate specificity. GPx1 is the most abundant version found in almost all tissues. GPx2 is an intestinal and extracellular enzyme, while GPx3 is extracellular, primarily found in plasma. GPx4 is found in nearly all cells, and it can reduce complex lipid peroxides, while others reduce hydrogen peroxide and simple organic peroxides.

Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]

Deficiency of glutathione peroxidase can lead to increased oxidative stress, and has been linked to a variety of diseases including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and cardiovascular diseases.

References[edit | edit source]

Glutathione peroxidase Resources
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