Aldehyde Dehydrogenases
Aldehyde dehydrogenases (ALDHs) are a group of enzymes that play a crucial role in the metabolism of aldehydes, which are organic compounds containing a carbonyl group. These enzymes catalyze the oxidation of aldehydes to their corresponding carboxylic acids, helping to detoxify harmful substances in the body. ALDHs are important in various biological processes, including alcohol metabolism and the detoxification of environmental toxins.
There are multiple isoforms of ALDH, each with specific functions and tissue distributions. For example, ALDH2 is primarily found in the liver and is involved in the metabolism of acetaldehyde, a byproduct of alcohol consumption. Dysfunction or genetic variations in ALDHs can lead to health issues, including increased sensitivity to alcohol and certain diseases.