[Endogenous formaldehyde and cardiovascular diseases]

Endogenous formaldehyde is produced via semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase-catalyzed deamination of methylamine. It widely exists in a variety of tissues and cells in animals. It has been confirmed that endogenous formaldehyde is involved in the neural degeneration, immune disease and tumor process. Adipocytes, vascular endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells are rich in enzyme to generate formaldehyde-semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase (SSAO). Formaldehyde may cause cytotoxicity, which induces vascular endothelial injury and mediates multiple factor-induced pathogenic process of vascular injury. It plays important role in atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus and diabetic complication.