Methylglyoxal

Description

Methylglyoxal (MG) is a highly reactive a-dicarbonyl compound that is primarily generated endogenously during glycolytic pathways (glucose and fructose metabolism) in cells and exogenously due to autoxidation of sugar, degradation of lipids, and fermentation during food and drink processing. Methylglyoxal polymerizes readily; it is hygroscopic and incompatible with strong oxidizing agents and bases. Methylglyoxal may be present as a free molecule in the diet or bound to biological materials, such as proteins, and as advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which are poorly absorbed. Methylglyoxal has been indicated in pathological events associated with hyperglycemia in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes and in other diabetic complications as either a direct toxin or as a precursor for AGEs. In animal studies, MG has been shown to induce tumorigenesis, but has also been reported as a tumoristatic agent. Methylglyoxal has been identified as the dominant antibacterial constituent of manuka honey.

The Uses of Methylglyoxal

Methylglyoxal solution has been used:

• to assess glyoxalase 1 (GLO1) enzymatic activity
• as an advanced glycation end (AGE) forming agent for the preparation of albumin in vitro
• to regulate anxiety like behavior in mice
• to induce peritoneal fibrosis in rats
• to study the chromatographic retention characteristics of organic chemicals and metal DNA adducts
• for intraplantar injection in mice to investigate peripheral and central components of methylglyoxal (MG)-transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1)-adenylyl cyclase 1 isoform (AC1) pathway