Knowing Catalase Enzymes and Their Benefits for the Body

The catalase enzyme is useful for preventing peroxide accumulation and protecting cellular organelles and tissues from damage by peroxide, which is a substance that is continuously produced by various metabolic reactions. The catalase enzyme is an enzyme that catalyzes the reaction in which hydrogen peroxide is broken down into water and oxygen. This hydrogen peroxide compound is one of the breakdown products of every cell that uses oxygen as an energy source in the metabolic process. This catalase enzyme is in the body of every organism that uses oxygen. In mammals, like humans, this enzyme is mainly found in the liver. Catalase enzymes have been used in various purposes. In the food industry, catalase enzymes are combined with other enzymes to preserve food ingredients. This enzyme is also empowered in the manufacture of certain beverages and foods. Not only that, the enzyme catalase is also used to break down hydrogen peroxide in wastewater. In addition to the various benefits above, the enzyme catalase also plays a role in the field of human health. For example in the process of creating gray hair, breaking down alcohol in the body, and slowing down cell damage in certain diseases such as multiple sclerosis. In biological activity, these enzyme cells are thought to play a role in the mechanism of inflammation, apoptosis (cell death), aging (aging), and cancer.

Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic disease involving the central nervous system. This disease is caused by the immune system that attacks myelin (a protective layer around nerve fibers) to cause inflammation and scarring, or lesions. This can make it difficult for the brain to send signals throughout the body so that it sometimes results in serious paralysis. But according to research, the myelin layer can be regenerated by activating the Nrf2 pathway in the body. The Nrf2 pathway is a powerful protein found in every cell throughout the body and is useful for regulating antioxidant defenses. When activated, the Nrf2 pathway produces antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, glutathione, and superoxide dismutase (SOD). This antioxidant enzyme is powerful enough to neutralize many free radicals, aka fight free radicals. Studies show that the activated Nrf2 pathway successfully slows the rate of myelin damage. The accumulation of free radicals in the body, especially in the form of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and Reactive Nitrogen Species (RNS), which is accompanied by impaired balance in the amount of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase enzymes, can cause damage to cell structure, including lipid components (fats), proteins , and DNA material (DNA and RNA). The buildup of components of the reactive compound also affects the mitochondria of the cell (the energy-forming part of the cell). In the end result, biochemical components in mitochondria such as proteins, lipids, and DNA will undergo oxidation processes. This process is known as oxidative stress (oxidative stress). This process is thought to be related to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Huntington, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease.

Alcohol metabolism

Catalase enzyme is one enzyme that is useful to break down or get rid of alcohol from the body. Three other enzymes are cytochrome P450 (CYP2E1), alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH). CYP2E1 and catalase enzymes work to break down alcohol into acetaldehyde. However, there are differences in how these two enzymes work. Catalase processes only a small portion of the amount of alcohol in the body. In addition, as we get older, the production of some of these enzymes decreases. There are also many drugs and other food sources that can reduce the amount of enzymes available to break down alcohol.

Uban

Research shows that hair turns into gray hair due to biochemical reactions that occur inside hair cells. This process causes hair to bleach from inside the hair to outside the hair. The process of the appearance of gray hair begins when the catalase enzyme levels decrease. The lack of the catalase enzyme causes the compound hydrogen peroxide in the hair can not be broken down. As a result, hydrogen peroxide builds up in the hair. The supply of other enzymes that can repair damage caused by hydrogen peroxide is also reduced. The impact of the hair was finally turned into gray. Although less well known than other enzymes, the enzyme catalase has an equally important role in our body.