Abcam, ab273276, Aldose Reductase Activity Kit (Colorimetric)

Size: 100Test
Aldose Reductase Activity Assay Kit (Colorimetric) (ab273276) uses the ability of Aldose Reductase (AR) to catalyze the oxidation of NADPH. Individual kit components also available for purchase with a minimum order of 20 units. Contact us to discuss your needs.
Key facts
Detection method:Colorimetric,
Sample types:Tissue, Suspension cells, Adherent cells,
Assay type:Enzyme activity (quantitative),
Sensitivity:= 100 µU,
Assay Platform:Microplate

Product details:
Aldose Reductase Activity Assay Kit (Colorimetric) (ab273276) utilizes the ability of Aldose Reductase (AR) to catalyze the oxidation of NADPH. The reaction progress is followed by monitoring the decrease in absorbance at 340 nm. The assay has been optimized to be monitored using a 96 well plate. The kit can detect as low as 0.1 mU. The assay kit is simple and can be used in a high-throughput format.
This product is manufactured by BioVision, an Abcam company and was previously called K369 Aldose Reductase Activity Kit (Colorimetric). K369-100 is the same size as the 100 test size of ab273276.
The Safety Datasheet for this product has been updated for certain countries. Please check the current version in the Support and downloads section.

Properties and Storage Information:
Shipped at conditions-Blue Ice, Appropriate short-term storage conditions--20°C, Appropriate long-term storage conditions--20°C, Storage information-Please refer to protocols

Supplementary Information:
This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.
Aldose reductase also known as AR or ALR2 is an important enzyme in the polyol pathway. It has a molecular mass of about 36 kDa and reduces aldehydes including glucose to their corresponding alcohols. Aldose reductase is expressed widely in various tissues such as kidney lens and retina. The enzyme uses NADPH as a cofactor which is important for its catalytic activity.
Biological function summary
The main function of aldose reductase involves converting glucose to sorbitol a process particularly active under hyperglycemic conditions. It does not form a part of a larger complex but works individually to facilitate this conversion. Sorbitol the product of its enzymatic reaction eventually converts to fructose through the action of sorbitol dehydrogenase. This two-step conversion can contribute to cellular damage due to osmotic stress when sorbitol accumulates.
Pathways
Aldose reductase plays a central role in the polyol pathway. This pathway becomes highly relevant when blood glucose levels are elevated. During such conditions aldose reductase activity increases to convert excess glucose to sorbitol. This activity links it to other proteins like sorbitol dehydrogenase which completes the conversion to fructose.
Aldose reductase has strong connections to diabetic complications specifically diabetic neuropathy and retinopathy. The enzyme’s increased activity under high glucose conditions can lead to osmotic stress and tissue damage. Interactions with other proteins in the metabolic shift associated with diabetes such as sorbitol dehydrogenase underline its involvement. Aldose reductase inhibitors show potential in mitigating these adverse effects by reducing sorbitol accumulation.