The glyoxal pathway plays a role in the detoxification of glucose degradation products (GDP). Glyoxalase I and Gyloxalase II (also designated hydroxyacyl glutathione hydrolase or HAGH) are members of the Gyloxalase family. The Gyloxalase II enzyme is a thiolesterase that catalyzes the hydrolysis of S-D-lactoyl-glutathione to form reduced glutathione and D-lactic acid. It exists only as a monomer and binds two zinc ions per subunit. Glyoxalase II contains 260 amino acids. It is detected in the mitochondria and cytosol of mammals. Both Glyoxalase I and Gyloxalase II are detected at a higher activity level in breast cancer tissues than with matched unaffected tissues. This suggests that glyoxalase inhibitor drugs may be effective in the treatment of cancer.