Metabolism: The pentose phosphate pathway and G6PD deficiency (practice) Khan Academy Pentose Phosphate Pathway made simple. This pathway has two major jobs: Generate NADPH Produce ribose 5 phosphate NADPH protects cells from oxidative stress and supports fatty acid, cholesterol, steroid, nitric oxide, and respiratory burst Glucose 6 P DehydrogenaseAn Antioxidant Enzyme with Regulatory Functions in Skeletal Muscle during Exercise Pentose Phosphate Pathway (Part 4 of 5) NADPH and Glutathione as Anti Oxidants Pentose phosphate pathway: phases, reactions, & metabolic roles