Aldehyde Dehydrogenase (ALDH)

Aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) is a key enzyme family involved in detoxifying aldehydes, which are highly reactive molecules formed during alcohol metabolism and lipid peroxidation. ALDH enzymes catalyze the oxidation of aldehydes to less toxic carboxylic acids, facilitating their excretion from the body. This detoxification is crucial for maintaining cellular health and preventing damage from oxidative stress. The ALDH family comprises multiple isozymes with varied substrate specificities and tissue distributions, influencing processes like alcohol metabolism, drug resistance, and the response to oxidative stress. Notably, high levels of certain ALDH isozymes are associated with a reduced risk of alcohol-related pathologies and are also markers of stem cells in various tissues.