Methylglyoxal toxicity in mammals.

Although the interest is growing towards glyoxalases and methylglyoxal, their role in metabolism is still an enigma. In this paper, the effects of methylglyoxal in both in vivo and in vitro mammalian systems are reviewed and correlated with its interaction with macromolecules (nucleic acids, proteins). The theories on the role of methylglyoxal and glyoxalases are also discussed. Recently, data obtained have focused attention on the possible role of disturbed methylglyoxal metabolism in the development of diabetic complications and it is hoped that the contribution of methylglyoxal to pathological events can be ascertained in the near future.