The Function of Succinate Dehydrogenase in Maintaining Normal Health

Succinic dehydrogenase (SDH) is a vital enzyme involved in cellular respiration and metabolism of energy. This enzyme is much essential to maintain the normal health as it takes part in tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA) and the electron transport chain. SDH acts as a catalyst in the conversion of succinate to fumarate by the oxidation reaction, and electron is produced in this procedure which is transported along the electron transport chain to form adenosine triphosphate (ATP). SDH must function properly for a number of physiological functions, including ATP synthesis, control of cellular metabolism and upkeep of mitochondrial homeostasis. Cancer, hereditary mitochondrial problems, neurological diseases and other diseases have all been linked to mutations or dysregulation of SDH function. The development of neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and Huntington’s disease has also been linked to dysfunctional SDH activity. The rare genetic illness like hereditary paraganglioma and pheochromocytoma syndromes, which are characterised by the development of tumours in the paraganglia and adrenal glands, can also occur due to the inherited mutations in SDH genes (SDHD, SDHAF2, SDHB, SDHA, TMEM127 and MAX). Thus, it is necessary to learn more about SDH functions in order to improve our understanding of cellular metabolism, mitochondrial function and disease pathogenesis. So, in this chapter we will explore the relation between the SDH with our physiological phenomena and also about its importance for maintaining the proper health.