The enzyme Catalase is highly reactive and specializes in detoxifying body cells. It works on the basis of iron and is even more efficient in combination with other trace elements. In microbiology it is used for the preliminary differentiation of bacteria.
What is catalase?
Catalase removes toxic hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) from the cells, as otherwise they would be destroyed by the aggressive oxygen compound.
The enzyme breaks down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen, thereby rendering the chemical compound, which is dangerous for the cells, harmless. This is why the fast-reacting enzyme is also called oxido-reductase (gene name: CAT). Hydrogen peroxide is produced in the body as a breakdown product of the enzyme superoxide dismutase, which reduces purines and oxidizes fatty acids. Catalase is one of the most effective enzymes: a single molecule is able to break down up to 40 million other molecules into their components every second. Every molecule of H2O2 that reaches the active catalase center by diffusion is immediately broken down.
Catalase is found in almost all animal and plant foods. She specializes in free radical scavenging. These are oxygen-containing compounds with a free electron that are very aggressive. They either donate an electron or withdraw one from other compounds. This creates new free radicals.
Function, effect & tasks
In microbiological diagnostics, the enzyme is used for the preliminary classification of bacteria. With the help of the catalase reaction, scientists can differentiate between streptococci and staphylococci.
The coagulase reaction is carried out in order to be able to determine the bacterial strains more closely afterwards. Since catalase is one of the anti-oxidative enzymes, it protects the body cells from the attack of free radicals. Above all, it breaks down the harmful peroxides. In order for the catalase to work optimally, it must always have enough selenium, copper and zinc available. The trace elements help the body to produce the catalase itself. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, the bio-catalyst can increase life expectancy by around a fifth, as animal experiments have shown.
Taken as a dietary supplement, it can restore gray hair to its original color. Because the blame for graying is the H2O2, which blocks the melanin production in the hair cells. In the homeopathic dosage form catalase D30, it can also be applied externally to the hair together with bio-active carrier substances.
Education, occurrence, properties & optimal values
Catalase is found in the peroxisomes of almost all aerobic organisms. Fungi, plants and bacteria that require oxygen also have the enzyme. In humans, it is particularly concentrated in the liver, kidneys and red blood cells. It is also integrated into the skin's metabolism. Catalase has four trivalent iron porphyrin molecules (heme groups) and is composed of 526 amino acids.
With chromium, copper and iron compounds, it forms further molecular complexes that also have a catalytic effect. To compensate for an existing catalase deficiency in the body, the person concerned should consume corn, milk, green peas, mangoes, soybeans and honey. Alternatively, there is a catalase supplement, which is available either in the form of pure catalase or as a mixture of various anti-oxidants. Taken with meals, the fast-acting enzyme promotes digestion. Consumed one and a half to two hours before and after a meal, it has anti-inflammatory effects.
Diseases & Disorders
Catalase deficiency can lead to serious health disorders. It is considered a metabolic disease and - if it is genetic - is caused by mutations in the CAT gene.
The hereditary disease is particularly common in Japan and manifests itself in the form of premature aging processes, degenerative diseases and the occurrence of diabetes mellitus. Akatalasemia affects a maximum of 9 in 100,000 patients. The autosomal recessive inherited catalase deficiency occurs in people of all age groups and manifests itself in insufficient activity of the catalase bound in the red blood cells. Those affected usually have no symptoms. Japanese patients, on the other hand, usually also develop ulcers, diabetes and arteriosclerosis. Catalase deficiency is associated with diseases such as COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), multiple sclerosis, scleroderma, dementia and Parkinson's disease.
The so-called white spot disease (vitiligo) is also caused by too little catalase in the blood. The disease manifests itself - as the name suggests - through clearly defined spots on the skin. According to the WHO, 1% of the world population suffers from vitiligo. The disease, which is very psychologically stressful for the patient, is most likely hereditary. It is painless. The performance is not limited. The skin cells are discolored in the white areas due to the influence of hydrogen peroxide. Often even the hair on it is white. The catalase deficiency first causes the skin cells to stop producing melanin (skin pigment).
It does this by hydrogen peroxide forming free hydroxyl radicals that block the melanin-producing enzyme tyrosinase. Then they are destroyed by the aggressive H2O2. The eye pigments are also affected. With a severe course of the disease, more than 80% of the skin surface is covered with white spots. The disease progresses in episodes and then comes to a standstill for an as yet unexplained cause. Sometimes only the mechanically stressed skin regions are most affected.
Scientists suggest that Vitiligo is caused by frequent, severe sunburns, excessive psychological stress, and certain heart and blood pressure medications. In otherwise healthy people, too much UV light can ensure that the catalase concentration in the skin cells is reduced.
