Catalase is an antioxidant enzyme that
catalyses the decomposition of hydrogen
peroxide (H 20 2) to
water and oxygen. Catalase is ubiquitously
expressed in mammalian and non-mammalian
aerobic cells containing the cytochrome
system. The enzyme has been isolated from
various sources, including bacteria and
plant cells (1-3). Catalase activity varies
greatly from tissue to tissue. Highest
activity is seen in liver and kidney, while
lowest activity is seen in connective tissue
(3). In eukarotic cells, catalase in
concentrated in organelles called
peroxisomes (4).
The production of hydrogen peroxide in
eukaryotic cells is an end product result of
various oxidases and superoxide dismutase
reactions. Accumulation of H202
can result in cellular damage through
oxidation of proteins, DNA and lipids thus
resulting in cell death and mutagenisis
(8-11). H202 role in
oxidative stress related diseases have been
widely studied (8,12).
The Fluoro Catalase detection kit is
sensitive assay that utilizes a non -
fluorescent detection reagent to detect H202
substrate left over from the catalase
reaction (5-6).
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