Sangeeta Ghosh1 , Sauradipta Banerjee2*, Bipasa Chakraborty1 , Wasimur Rahaman2 , Manjusa Chowdhury2 , Subhendu Sikdar1 , Maitreyi Bandyopadhyay1 , Reena Ray (Ghosh)1 , Sandip Ghosh3
Methylglyoxal (MG) is a highly reactive α-dicarbonyl compound which reacts with proteins to form advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Its level significantly increases in diabetic condition. MG primarily modifies arginine and lysine residues of proteins resulting in cross-linking and inactivation. Antiviral activity of methylglyoxal has been reported against several viruses including different strains of influenza, alpha herpes, varicella-zoster, etc. Recently, it has been suggested that SARS-CoV-2 proteome is susceptible to inactivation by MG. The studies in overall indicate a possible therapeutic potential of MG which may be explored in the treatment of wide range of viral diseases. The present article discusses and reviews on the probable mechanism of action of MG against viral infections including possible modification and inactivation of viral proteins. A scope to characterize MG-modified proteins by biophysical techniques including analysis of MG-derived AGE adducts by proteomic studies has also been discussed.
Keywords: Methylglyoxal; Advanced Glycation End Products; Antiviral; Hydroimidazolone; Antitumor Drugs