Methylglyoxal (MGO) is a potent precursor of advanced glycosylation end-products (AGEs)
Glo1 catalyzes the conversion of cytotoxic MGO to nontoxic hemithioacetal using GSH as cofactor.
Because MGO rapidly forms hemithioacetal with GSH, elevated MGO will, in turn, deplete cellular GSH levels especially at low expression level of Glo2.
Increased MGO, depletion of GSH and ATP are known to initiate apoptotic cell death.
Some studies have investigated the potential of MGO as a therapeutic agent for cancer treatment. For example, MGO has been shown to:
Enhance efficacy of chemotherapy and radiation therapy in certain types of cancer.
Inhibit the growth of cancer stem cells.
In terms of dietary sources, MGO is found in small amounts in various foods, including: Manuka honey, which is produced by bees that gather nectar from the manuka tree, apples and grapes, onions and garlic.
In many cancers, elevated levels of methylglyoxal and its associated AGEs are often linked to poor prognosis. The accumulation of these compounds can lead to increased oxidative stress, inflammation, and disruption of cellular signaling pathways.
Methylglyoxal is generally considered protumorigenic due to its role in promoting the formation of AGEs, which can lead to cellular damage, inflammation, and enhanced tumor growth. MG can also induce epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process associated with increased metastatic potential.
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