METHYLGLYOXAL TOXICITY IN MAMMALS

Although the interest is growing towards gloxalases and methylglyoxal, their role in metabolism is still an enigma. In this paper, the effec ts of methylglyoxal in both in vivo and in vitro mammalian systems are reviewed and correlated with its interaction with macromolecules (nuc leic acids, proteins). The theories on the role of methylglyoxal and g lyoxalases are also discussed. Recently, data obtained have focused at tention on the possible role of disturbed methylglyoxal metabolism in the development of diabetic complications and it is hoped that the con tribution of methylglyoxal to pathological events can be ascertained i n the near future.