The glyoxalase system is the primary pathway for the elimination of methylglyoxal (MG). Glyoxalase I (Gly I, EC 4.4.1.5) is a cytosolic enzyme that constitutes part of this system.
Glyoxalase I (Gly I) catalyzes the formation of S-D-lactoylglutathione (SLG) from methylglyoxal (MG) and reduced glutathione. SLG exhibits a characteristic absorption peak at 240 nm. The activity of glyoxalase I (Gly I) is determined by measuring the rate of increase in absorbance at 240 nm.