The research of association of catalase gene polymorphisms with diseases

Catalase is one of three enzymes within the important huamn antioxidant enzyme system, which also includes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). They coordinate to reduce the production of active oxygen free radicals , to prevent lipid peroxidation and its intermediate metabolites from damaging human body, and to maintain oxidative-antioxidative balance. Catalase gene polymorphisms,and its haplotypes may be related to enzyme activity and transcriptional activity, and thus affect the sensitivity to some human diseases in different individuals. The study reviewed the structure and function of catalase, and gene polymorphism and its association with human diseases. Key words: Catalase (CAT) ;  Gene polymorphisms;  Association