Progress of mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase in cardioprotection / 中国药理学通报

ABSTRACT

Mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase(ALDH2),one of the isoforms of aldehyde dehydrogenase,has multiple enzymatic functions including the activity of dehydrogenase and esterase.The metabolisms of ethanol,amino acids,biogenic amine,vitamin or steroid in the body produce various substances of aldehyde.With the help of co-factor NAD(P)+,ALDH2 can convert aldehydes into corresponding carboxylic acid,which plays a key role in reducing toxic effects of aldehydes on the body.It does not need co-factor when ALDH2 works as esterase.It can convert carboxylic ester or other acids into corresponding carboxylic acids or alcohols.Recently,it has been shown that the decrease of ALDH2 activity exacerbates multiple factors(such as ethanol,ischemia)-induced myocardial injury and accelerates the development of nitroglycerin tolerance.Therefore,the development of specific agonists of ALDH2 may provide a novel approach to the therapy and prevention of heart diseases.