Description
The glyoxalase system consists of Glyoxalase I (Glx I) and Glyoxalase II (Glx II) which is responsible for detoxifying α-ketoaldehydes such as the potent and cytotoxic methylglyoxal (MG). Glx I converts MG to S-D-lactoyl-glutathione (SLG). SLG is then hydrolyzed to D-lactate and reduced glutathione by Glx II. Glx II desensitizes cells to p53-dependent DNA damage-induced apoptosis. It also plays a role during development and in the pathogenesis of cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Glyoxalase II may also be important in the regulation of spermatogenesis