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Potent Antioxidant Superoxide Dismutase

We often see and hear “antioxidants” as agents who fight cellular damage and promote health, but what are these antioxidants? Here we would be discussing these antioxidants specifically one of their potent relatives Superoxide Dismutase.

Superoxide dismutase is an enzyme that hastens the formation of free radicals such as superoxide and hydrogen peroxide into oxygen. Because of this action, superoxide dismutase is considered a potent antioxidant.

Free Radicals: Oxygen Behaving Badly

To better understand the action of antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase, we must first take a look at the action of oxygen free radicals. Free radicals cause significant damage to the cells in our body because of their structure and behavior, free radicals such as superoxide contains an unpaired oxygen electron. These unpaired oxygen electrons behave quite radically from their counterparts. Because they are unpaired the steal electrons from other cells and this causes instability and damage to the victim cell.

Free Radicals and Aging

One theory experts propose on why people age is the free radical theory. Free radicals in the environment and inside the body causes significant damage to the cells, this damage may become irreversible as the process becomes chronic and as the person becomes old. The damage to the cells may also be attributed to the formation of certain diseases the aging person suffers from. Chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and arthritis had been linked to the presence of free radicals. And even physical changes in the body are attributed to the exposure of free radicals. As said above, these compounds that steal oxygen from other cells cause instability and damage. If the process continues on for a prolonged time, the cells may not be able to resist and rejuvenate causing certain dysfunctions and diseases.

How Does Superoxide Dismutase Fight Free Radical Damage?

Superoxide dismutase is a potent antioxidant as it easily converts free radicals such as superoxides into oxygen; this enzyme serves as a catalyst, which means it hastens the process of conversion. Once converted into oxygen, it will no longer exhibit the behavior of stealing another oxygen electron, preventing cellular damage and instability. This enzyme naturally found in our bodies is released by our cells; this is a defense mechanism of cells for protection against exposure to oxygen free radicals. Aside from protecting the cells from harm by converting superoxide into less harmful oxygen, this enzyme also converts superoxide into hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide serves the important role of alerting the body against potential threats. When the cells in the body are damaged, the cells release hydrogen peroxide to alert other cells (especially the white blood cells), that there is a threat that needs to be controlled. Once hydrogen peroxide is released, white blood cells move to the site of infection to ward of the potential threat.

The potency of this enzyme has sparked several studies that aim to prove its use and benefits when it comes to disease treatment. Recent clinical trials reveal that superoxide dismutase maybe used as a new treatment modality for inflammatory bowel disease, and May soon be used in measures that will promote and prolong life.