Superoxide dismutases: a physiopharmacological update

ABSTRACT

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are known participants in several cellular processes.Superoxide anion radical, one example of ROS, forms as a result of normal cellularrespiration and is usually cleared successfully by superoxide dismutase (SOD) andother radical scavengers. However, when superoxide exceeds the clearance capacityof SOD and other ROS scavengers, superoxide initiates a number of pathologicprocesses. This review examines pathologies involving superoxide, including cancer,neurodegenerative diseases, ischemia/reperfusion injury, and inflammation. Wewill also explore the basic science principles of superoxide and SOD, including SODevolution, SOD mutations, biochemistry, physiology, and pathophysiology. Inreviewing the basic science, clinical pathology, and therapeutic research, we hope toclearly demonstrate plausible pharmacologic targets of action. We have revised dataabout basic science, clinical pathology and therapeutic research in an effort to proposeplausible pharmacological targets of action. The understanding of these aspectsis critical in the accomplishment of a successful clinical intervention(AU)