The function of DCXR (dicarbonyl and L-xylulose reductase, ENSG00000169738) is as follows. Catalyzes the NADPH-dependent reduction of several pentoses, tetroses, trioses, alpha-dicarbonyl compounds and L-xylulose (PubMed:11882650, PubMed:19337691, PubMed:40737316). Can use both NAD and NADP as cosubstrate but shows higher activity with NADP (PubMed:11882650). Participates in the uronate cycle of glucose metabolism (PubMed:11882650). May play a role in the water absorption and cellular osmoregulation in the proximal renal tubules by producing xylitol, an osmolyte, thereby preventing osmolytic stress from occurring in the renal tubules (PubMed:11882650). {ECO:0000269|PubMed:11882650, ECO:0000269|PubMed:19337691, ECO:0000269|PubMed:40737316, ECO:0000303|PubMed:11882650}.