AKR7A2 participates in the detoxification of aldehydes and ketones. AKR7A2 catalyzes the NADPH-dependent reduction of succinic semialdehyde to gamma-hydroxybutyrate. AKR7A2 is involved in producing the neuromodulator gamma-hydroxybutyrate(GHB). AKR7A2 has extensive substrate specificity. AKR7A2 shows NADPH-dependent aldehyde reductase activity towards 2-carboxybenzaldehyde, 2-nitrobenzaldehyde and pyridine-2-aldehyde(in vitro). AKR7A2 reduces 1,2-naphthoquinone and 9,10-phenanthrenequinone(in vitro). AKR7A2 reduces the dialdehyde protein-binding form of aflatoxin B1(AFB1) to the non-binding AFB1 dialcohol. AKR7A2 takes part in protection of liver against the toxic and carcinogenic effects of AFB1, a potent hepatocarcinogen.