Various chemical compounds exist in human environment, and affect human health. Unsaturated carbonyl compounds are generally generated by combustion of organic chemicals. Although unsaturated carbonyl compounds are highly toxic, the molecular mechanism for their cytotoxicity has been unclear. I have reported that the unsaturated carbonyl compounds induce cell death by activation of specific signaling pathway in cells. I also have revealed that cysteine and several cysteine derivatives directly react with unsaturated carbonyl compounds and detoxify them.
