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.