Glutathione reductase is body's little antioxidant guardian

introduction

Glutathione reductase is one of the key ones, which is associated with a variety of diseases and has great significance for the study of health mechanisms.

In the wonderful "microcosm" of our bodies, every detail contains the mystery of life.

In the long journey of fighting disease and maintaining health, there are many "small guards" who silently protect health.

In recent years, scientists have paid increasing attention to it, because it plays a key role in physiological processes such as REDOX balance and detoxification, providing new directions and possibilities for overcoming many diseases.

What is glutathione reductase?

Glutathione reductase (GR) is an exquisite intracellular enzyme, like a carefully crafted "molecular machine" in the microscopic world.

It consists of a specific arrangement of amino acids to form a unique three-dimensional structure, giving it a special function.

This enzyme is mainly found in the cytoplasm and mitochondria, which are the core areas of cellular biochemical reactions and are involved in energy production and many important physiological processes.

Glutathione reductase structure diagram

amazing function of glutathione reductase

Antioxidant "Guru" :

1, guard cells from oxidative attack

Our bodies are constantly under threat from oxidation.

Cell metabolism is like a busy factory operation, producing strong oxidizing "destructive molecules" such as free radicals.

These free radicals act as "mini bombs" that attack biological molecules such as lipids, proteins and DNA inside cells.

Damage to cell membrane lipids alters its permeability, protein inactivation affects cell function, and DNA damage may trigger gene mutations.

Glutathione reductase is the "guardian angel" of the cell, and glutathione (GSH) forms a powerful antioxidant defense.

During the antioxidant process, GSH becomes oxidized glutathione (GSSG), and glutathione reductase uses the energy of NADPH to reduce GSSG to GSH, so that GSH can continue to fight free radicals and protect cells from oxidative damage.

2, Maintain REDOX balance

The REDOX balance in the cell is like a balance, and glutathione reductase is an important "balance weight".

By regulating the REDOX state of glutathione, it ensures that the intracellular biochemical reaction takes place in a suitable REDOX environment.

Once the balance is broken, the metabolism is out of whack.

For example, in the state of disease, glutathione reductase activity is affected, REDOX imbalance, cells are more susceptible to oxidative damage, and the disease will be aggravated.

Therefore, glutathione reductase plays an important role in maintaining intracellular REDOX homeostasis, signal transduction, metabolism of exogenous substances and thiol balance.

Detoxification expert:

1. Remove harmful substances from the body

Our bodies are exposed to various harmful substances every day, such as drugs, pollutants, food additives, etc., which are metabolized in the body to produce toxic intermediates.

Glutathione reductase is like a professional "cleaning force", which keeps the body's internal environment clean by maintaining glutathione activity, combining it with toxic substances, transforming it into low-toxic or non-toxic substances and then exiting the body.

2. Protect liver health

The liver is the "detoxification factory" of the body, which undertakes the heavy detoxification task. Glutathione reductase plays a key role in the liver.

When we drink alcohol or take drugs, it enhances the liver's ability to detoxify and protect it from toxins.

If its activity is insufficient, the liver is vulnerable to damage, such as long-term drinking, alcohol metabolism produces too many free radicals, beyond the detoxification ability of glutathione reductase and glutathione, it is easy to cause alcoholic liver disease.

Moreover, it has been pointed out in the literature that if the serum GR is highly expressed after the occurrence of HBV-associated liver disease, the change of serum GR level is related to the severity of patients with HBV-associated liver disease, and serum GR detection can effectively improve the diagnosis level of this disease.

Glutathione reductase in relation to health and disease:

Glutathione reductase and aging

Aging is closely related to the accumulation of oxidative damage.

With age, the activity of glutathione reductase decreased and the antioxidant defense ability of cells weakened.

A large number of free radicals attack cells, leading to skin wrinkles, sagging and other signs of aging, which is the result of skin cells long-term attack by free radicals, and the function of antioxidant systems such as glutathione reductase is reduced.

Glutathione reductase and Disease:

1. Cardiovascular disease

In the cardiovascular system, oxidative stress is an important factor in cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis.

The increase in free radicals attacks the endothelial cells of blood vessels, causing inflammation and promoting lipid deposits to form atherosclerotic plaques.

Reduced glutathione reductase activity weakens antioxidant capacity, makes blood vessels more vulnerable to oxidative damage, and increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Studies have pointed out that GR level is increased in hypertensive patients with coronary artery disease, and gender, smoking history and GR are independent factors affecting the occurrence of coronary artery disease in hypertensive patients, and GR has a certain auxiliary diagnostic value in the occurrence of coronary artery disease in hypertensive patients.

2. Cancer

The occurrence and development of cancer are related to the REDOX state.

Cancer cells have high levels of oxidative stress, and they alter their glutathione reductase activity to enhance their antioxidant capacity and evade immune system attack and chemotherapy drug killing.

Many literatures have shown that glutathione reductase has some correlation with various cancers.

Therefore, studying the role of glutathione reductase in cancer is of great significance for the development of new cancer treatments.

3. Neurodegenerative diseases

Oxidation should play an important role in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.

Brain neurons are sensitive to oxidative damage, and when the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione reductase is reduced, free radicals accumulate and attack neuronal cells, resulting in impaired neuronal function, and then lead to neurodegenerative diseases.

How to maintain the activity of glutathione reductase?

A healthy diet:

1. Eat foods rich in antioxidants

Eat more fresh vegetables and fruits, such as spinach and broccoli are rich in antioxidants such as vitamins C and E and carotenoids, which work together with glutathione reductase.

Blueberries, strawberries, etc., have similar effects.

Sulfur-containing foods such as Onions and garlic help maintain glutathione levels and indirectly support glutathione reductase function.

2. reasonable intake of protein

Proteins are the "building blocks" of glutathione reductase.

Adequate intake of high-quality protein is essential to maintain its synthesis and activity.

Lean meats, fish, beans, eggs, etc. are all good sources of high-quality protein.

Regular lifestyle:

1. Exercise in moderation

Moderate exercise can promote blood circulation and metabolic function, maintain intracellular REDOX balance, and increase glutathione reductase activity.

Aerobic exercise such as running, swimming, cycling, etc., can also reduce the accumulation of body fat and reduce the production of free radicals.