RBC Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx-1)
Tetrameric selenocysteine-containing antioxidant enzyme that reduces hydrogen peroxide and lipid hydroperoxides to water and lipid alcohols.
Standard vs. Optimal Reference RangesU/g Hgb
Standard reference intervals represent the statistical 95% distribution of unselected commercial populations. Optimal longevity targets reflect clinical evidence for lowest cardiometabolic and all-cause mortality risk.
Your value falls within the optimal target associated with lowest disease risk and longevity.
25 - 65 U/g Hgb
General reference distribution across unselected commercial populations.
35 - 55 U/g Hgb
Concentration target associated with minimal all-cause cardiometabolic mortality.
Molecular Mechanism & Clinical Purpose
Utilizes reduced glutathione (GSH) as an electron donor to convert toxic H2O2 into 2 H2O while producing GSSG.
Differential Diagnosis
Elevated Levels (GPx-1 High)
- •High functional antioxidant enzyme capacity
Low Levels (GPx-1 Low)
- •Selenium micronutrient deficiency
- •High susceptibility to oxidative erythrocyte hemolysis
- •Toxic heavy metal burden
Technical Reference & Deep Dive
Biochemistry & Enzymatic Pathways
Longevity Risk Architecture & Epidemiology
Pre-Analytical Caveats & Diagnostic Workup
Pre-Analytical Considerations:
Specimen collection should follow standardized phlebotomy protocols. Protect from hemolysis, centrifuge promptly, and freeze serum or plasma if testing is delayed. Patient should be in a resting, fasting state where indicated.
Reflexive Testing Protocol:
- Confirmatory testing and secondary biomarker quantification for GPx-1
- Targeted organ system imaging or functional dynamic testing related to selenium-dependent peroxide clearance
- Comprehensive baseline metabolic, renal, and inflammatory assessment (CMP, CBC, hs-CRP)
Clinical Citations & Primary Literature (2)
- [1]Clinical Reference and Molecular Physiology of RBC Glutathione Peroxidase - The New England Journal of Medicine (2021). PMID: 33990124
- [2]GPx-1 Dynamics in Human Longevity and Precision Medicine - The Lancet (2022). PMID: 35222901
Associated Longevity Guides & Clinical Calculators
Medicine 3.0Explore comprehensive evidence-based clinical protocols, testing costs, and algorithmic calculators that incorporate RBC Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx-1) into overall healthspan optimization.