Superoxide dismutase
Superoxide dismutase is one of the first line defense antioxidants alongside catalase and glutathione peroxidase within the cells, which is basically an enzyme that catalyzes the dismutation of superoxide radicals which are reactive oxygen species into oxygen, hydrogen peroxides and hydroperoxides. Catalases then ensure the breakdown of hydrogen peroxides into water and oxygen. Clinically, superoxide dismutase may provide essential antioxidant effects especially in conditions that cause an increased accumulation of reactive oxygen species thus creating oxidative stress within the cells.56 A study by Hong Mei et al confirmed that the antioxidant effect of superoxide dismutase is essential in the mitigation of paraquat induced inflammation in the oral mucosa of animals. 57 This shows that superoxide dismutase has the potential of playing an important therapeutic role in paraquat mucosal damage, and further studies and investigations are warranted.