Oxidative Stress and Role of Glutathione S-transferase in Brain Health and Ageing

Oxidative stress arises because the antioxidant defense system of the human body is not entirely efficient. The major enzymes belong to this category are superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase. GSTs are the major determinants of the intracellular concentration of 4HNE and account for the metabolism of the majority of cellular 4HNE through its conjugation to GSH. Therefore, GSTs and the transporter(s) catalyzing the efflux of GS-HNE are likely to play a major role in regulating 4HNE homeostasis in cells. Consequently, these proteins should be relevant to the mechanisms that regulate 4HNE-mediated signaling for apoptosis, differentiation, proliferation and thus affecting ageing. This mechanism can be exploited to manufacture appropriate drugs to decelerate the ageing process by 4HNE regulation.