Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) is an antioxidant enzyme present in all living cells that protects cells from highly reactive, cell-damaging superoxide radicals (O2−).
Superoxide free radicals are very common free radicals that can cause various cell damages, and superoxide dismutase is an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of superoxide free radicals into molecular oxygen and hydrogen peroxide, called catalase.
Superoxide dismutase is a key enzyme in free radical detoxification. Helps break down potentially harmful oxygen molecules in cells. It removes superoxide anions from extracellular sources, including ionizing radiation and oxidative damage, as well as superoxide anions generated mainly in the mitochondria as a by-product of O2 metabolism through the electron transport chain, and prevents the formation of hydroxyl radicals. This may prevent tissue damage.
Research shows that SOD enzyme can maintain the dynamic balance between the production and removal of biological oxidants in the body, prevent the toxic effects of free radicals, and has been proven to have anti-tumor, anti-radiation and anti-aging effects.
Some superoxide dismutase products are made from cows. Others are made from melons or created in labs.
mechanism
Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is an antioxidant enzyme that utilizes transition metal ions in its active site to remove oxygen free radicals. It converts O2•− into H2O2 while releasing molecular oxygen. SOD is found in plants, animals, and microorganisms and requires cofactors such as iron, manganese, copper, and zinc for optimal catalytic activity. These cofactors donate electrons to O2•− throughout the catalytic process.
SOD helps protect cells from oxygen free radical damage by balancing oxidant levels. It catalyzes O2•− to form H2O2 and regulates signaling in the body. H2O2 acts as a second messenger in processes such as inflammation and angiogenesis. It also uses AQP to transmit redox signals across cell membranes.
Enzymes called SOD enhance enzyme-substrate contact during reactions by generating an electric field and reducing search complexity. The loop with charged residues guides O2•− to the active site of Cu/Zn-SOD. By increasing the positive charge or accessibility, the efficiency of SOD is increased. SOD catalysis increases the reaction rate 10,000 times compared to spontaneous arrangement.
Oxygen-consuming metabolic reactions are the main cause of superoxide production. This may occur at various cellular sites including mitochondrial electron respiratory chain, NADPH oxidase NOX, cyclooxygenase, lipoxygenase, xanthine oxidase XO, cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase/cytochrome P450 reduction enzymes and various cell membranes. These reactions convert oxygen into superoxide.
Catalase, SOD and GSH-Px are part of the body's oxygen removal system and help remove and reduce harmful compounds. SOD also has the ability to bind to cell surfaces and is used in a variety of medical and skin care products for its antioxidant properties.
health benefits
Reduce inflammation
Superoxide dismutase acts as an anti-inflammatory agent. Superoxide dismutase studies have shown promising results as a therapeutic agent in humans for the treatment of acute and chronic inflammation.
When SOD levels were measured in patients with chronic inflammation, their enzyme activity was significantly lower than in healthy individuals. Researchers propose new therapeutic possibilities to target the superoxide dismutase antioxidant pathway, thereby limiting pro-inflammatory responses.
Relieve arthritis symptoms
An animal study found that reduced SOD levels were associated with the early stages of osteoarthritis. This enzyme is downregulated in osteoarthritic cartilage in both humans and mouse models.
Researchers say this may be due to increased oxidative stress and reduced SOD levels.
Help fight cancer
Studies have shown that low expression of extracellular superoxide dismutase is significantly associated with reduced survival in cancer patients. This suggests that low SOD levels promote an internal environment conducive to cancer progression.
Studies have shown that high levels of SOD can inhibit tumor growth and metastasis, indicating its role as a tumor suppressor.
Research demonstrating the use of dietary supplement-based superoxide dismutase for cancer prevention provides another opportunity for antioxidant-based cancer prevention. According to the researchers, new mechanistic studies demonstrate that SOD not only inhibits oncogenic activity but also inhibits subsequent metabolic changes during early tumorigenesis.
Promote skin health
Superoxide dismutase creams and other personal care products are used to reduce free radical damage to the skin and reduce signs of aging. The antioxidant effects of SOD promote the health and appearance of the skin and are often used to prevent wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots.
Superoxide dismutase for skin care also aids in wound healing, softening scar tissue and protecting skin from UV rays.
May help with gastrointestinal disorders
Research on the regulatory role of SODs in gastrointestinal diseases has attracted attention.
Knocking out the SOD gene in mice results in weight loss, cell barrier disruption and reduced antioxidant activity. SOD enzyme prevents colitis and affects cecal flora in mice. Mice with colitis show changes at the level of multiple immune cells. Downregulation of SOD causes liver damage and fibrosis in mice. Injection of SOD enzyme can prevent colitis. SOD can be used as a diagnostic marker to prevent colitis.
Aging management
The aging process is characterized by mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, functional decline, and apoptosis, accompanied by changes in the gastrointestinal flora.
One study found that extracellular superoxide dismutase expression levels were lower in aged skin tissue compared with young skin tissue, while copper-zinc superoxide dismutase and manganese-containing superoxide dismutase remained unchanged. Copper/zinc superoxide dismutase-deficient mice exhibit muscle atrophy and weakness similar to normal muscle aging, which can be prevented by extracellular superoxide dismutase expression. Treatment with recombinant extracellular superoxide dismutase reduced oxidant levels while increasing collagen secretion. Research results confirm the importance of SOD in anti-aging.
Applications of superoxide dismutase
Application of health care products
SOD widely exists in animals, plants and microorganisms. As a specific scavenger of superoxide anion free radicals and a high-quality regulator of various functions of the human body, it has been widely used in health care products.
Research has confirmed the effectiveness of oral SOD, so SOD can be directly used as a food additive, and many functional foods rich in superoxide dismutase have been developed.
Superoxide dismutase is most commonly used in adults at a daily oral dose of 140 IU for up to 4 months.
Superoxide dismutase supplements are used to boost the body's defenses against free radicals and inflammation, and they can be taken orally or injected to fight certain diseases . The appropriate dose of superoxide dismutase depends on your health, age, and gender.
In the past, superoxide dismutase supplements lacked health benefits because other enzymes and acids inactivated the enzyme during digestion. However, scientists have developed bioavailable supplements by combining enzymes with protective proteins from wheat and other plants. These proteins allow superoxide dismutase to pass intact through the intestines so that it can be absorbed into the bloodstream.
food application
As an antioxidant, SOD produces a large amount of O2•− during food production and transportation. These O2•− molecules react with nutrients such as ascorbic acid and tocopherol, but SOD counteracts this process. Therefore, SOD is considered a food preservative because of its ability to prevent quality degradation caused by peroxidation.
In China , SOD health product functional food standard requirements have been implemented, a SOD food market mechanism has been established, and the food industry has been encouraged to develop reasonable SOD applications.
Cosmetic applications
Direct skin contact with oxygen can cause skin aging and damage. SOD is known for its ability to scavenge free radicals, prevent skin aging, and promote collagen stability. It can also be used as a topical agent to treat skin redness and swelling, and to assist in sun protection.
Superoxide dismutase (SOD) has been widely used as an additive in daily chemical products, such as SOD toothpaste and other products.
Research shows that superoxide dismutase is safe as a cosmetic product and has no side effects. Animal studies show that SOD can penetrate and be absorbed through the skin.
