Glutathione Peroxidase

Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) is a critical enzyme that protects organisms from oxidative damage by reducing hydrogen peroxide and organic hydroperoxides into water and alcohol. This enzyme is vital for cellular defense against oxidative stress, which can lead to cellular damage and diseases such as cancer and heart disease. GPx catalyzes these reactions using glutathione (GSH) as a reducing agent, which is oxidized to glutathione disulfide (GSSG) in the process. There are multiple isoforms of this enzyme, with distinct cellular locations and functions, contributing to the broad protective capabilities of GPx in various tissues. Selenium, a trace element, is an essential component of GPx, functioning at its active site to facilitate the enzyme's antioxidant activity.