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The causes of increase and decrease in glutathione peroxidase
Last reviewed: 19.10.2021
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Deficiency of selenium in the body reduces the activity of glutathione peroxidase, and the introduction of selenium increases it. The decrease in glutathione peroxidase activity in certain diseases largely determines the dynamics of the pathological process.
The activity of glutathione peroxidase is reduced in patients with alcoholism, as a result of which the protection of the liver cells from the damaging effects of alcohol is impaired. The activity of glutathione peroxidase and the concentration of selenium in the blood in these patients return to normal after the withdrawal of alcohol.
Reduced activity of glutathione peroxidase significantly increases the risk of cancer. In patients with cystic fibrosis, selenium is poorly absorbed, which leads to a decrease in the activity of glutathione peroxidase. Monitoring the activity of glutathione peroxidase in such patients allows to make timely decisions on conducting substitution therapy.
Low glutathione peroxidase activity and low selenium levels can cause infertility.
Free radicals are involved in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis, so the activity of glutathione peroxidase and the concentration of selenium are often reduced in this disease.
The activity of glutathione peroxidase is reduced in patients on program hemodialysis. This is due to the lack of trace elements associated with hemodialysis, in particular selenium.