Alda-1 shields endothelial cells against oxidative stress via activation of ALDH2

Endothelial dysfunction and change in vascular permeability are key events in many allergic diseases including edema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). On the molecular level, mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to the elevation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can then destabilize mitochondrial membrane potential. Now, research demonstrates that aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) could be an invaluable combatant against mitochondrial dysfunction. Human carriers possessing an inactive ALDH2 variant have been found to be more susceptible to COPD and asthma.

Source: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology - February 1, 2018 Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Sahebgowda S. Patil, Venkata Ramireddy Narala, Helena Hern ández-Cuervo, Byeong J. Cha, Jutaro Fukumoto, Mason T. Breitzig, Richard F. Lockey, Narasaiah Kolliputi, Lakshmi Galam Source Type: research