Dehydrogenases in glucose metabolism and their roles in diseases

Abstract

© 2017 Nova Science Publishers, Inc. Dehydrogenases are enzymes that play an important role in oxidation reactions. They oxidize a specific substrate in which one or more hydride ions are transferred to an electron acceptor molecule. Dehydrogenases are involved in many metabolic pathways which maintain normal function and homeostasis of cells in the body. One example is glucose metabolism, which is crucial for providing energy (ATP) as well as other molecules, such as reduced form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) and ribose sugar. In this chapter, we review the 10 dehydrogenase enzymes found in the main pathways of glucose metabolism: glycolysis, lactic acid fermentation, alcoholic fermentation, the citric acid cycle and pentose phosphate pathway. We also describe the role of these dehydrogenase enzymes in diseases. Glucose metabolism is essential to provide metabolic energy to many cells and tissues. Therefore the impairment of function, activity or an alteration in the level of expression of these 10 dehydrogenase enzymes has an impact on the function of many cells and tissues. Convincing evidence has indicated dehydrogenase enzymes are associated with several diseases, including neurological disorders, many types of cancer and blood diseases. In this chapter, we also discuss how dehydrogenases contribute to the etiology of diseases and their clinical manifestations. Additionally, we explore the applications and advantages of using dehydrogenase enzymes in current medical diagnosis and treatment.