Product Description:

Aldose reductase (AR) is a NADPH-dependent enzyme involved in the polyol pathway, which consists of AR and sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH). AR catalyzes the reduction of glucose to sorbitol, and SDH then catalyzes the NAD-dependent conversion of sorbitol to fructose. The net result of the polyol pathway is the formation of fructose from glucose and the transfer of reducing equivalents from NADPH to NAD. In diabetes, the hyperglycemia-induced increase in the polyol pathway’s activity is believed to be the primary cause of hyperglycemic injuries, leading to retinopathy, neuropathy, and nephropathy. The involvement of AR in diabetes is supported by the finding that its overexpression in transgenic mice enhances hyperglycemic injuries to target organs. AR is also significant in oxidative stress signaling, inflammatory complications, and the pathogenesis of cancer and sepsis, making the enzyme an ideal target for drug development. The AR activity assay kit is based on the oxidation of NADPH and monitored by the decrease in absorbance in 340 nm (molar extinction coefficient = 6.22 mM-1 cm-1). The assay requires a 0.2 ml Quartz cuvette for measuring changes in O.D.340 nm. Alternatively, a UV-transparent 96-well plate can be used. The kit is stable for at least one year if stored and handled properly.

Kit Components:

AR Assay Solution: 40 ml, store at 4°C (for 100 assays)

NADPH (50x): 0.8 ml, store at -80ºC after reconstitution in NADPH Buffer

NADPH Buffer: 1 ml, store at 4°C

AR Substrate: 3 ml, store at 4ºC

10x Cell Lysis Solution: 25 ml, store at 4ºC

SDS:

TX-100, MES, glyceraldehyde

Related Kits:

SDH Assay