Principle of the Procedure

Catalase (CAT, EC1.11.1.6) is a common antioxidant enzyme that catalyzes the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) into water and oxygen. It is widely found in aerobic cells containing cytochrome systems. Hydrogen peroxide is highly toxic to cells, and its accumulation leads to oxidation of cellular targets such as DNA, proteins and lipids, leading to mutagenesis and cell death. Protection against oxidative damage to cells is provided by using catalase to remove hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) from cells. The role of catalase in oxidative stress-related diseases has been extensively studied. Catalase also shows peroxidation activity in which low molecular weight alcohols can be used as electron donors. Fatty alcohols are specific substrates for catalase; however, other enzymes with peroxidation activity do not utilize these substrates. This kit provides a simple and easy colorimetric assay for the study of catalase activity in a variety of biological samples such as serum, plasma, cells and tissue lysates or biological fluids. This assay kit utilizes the peroxidase function of catalase for measuring catalase activity, in the presence of an appropriate concentration of H2O2, catalase reacts with methanol to produce formaldehyde, which can react with chromogens. The absorbance of the product can be measured at 540 nm. The catalase activity in the sample is proportional to the OD value.