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The reasons for the increase and decrease of superoxide dismutase
Last reviewed: 19.10.2021
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Superoxide dismutase turns superoxide into hydrogen peroxide, that is, it is one of the primary antioxidants. The presence of superoxide dismutase in the human body allows maintaining the physiological concentration of superoxide radicals in tissues, which allows the existence of a human body in the oxygen atmosphere and the use of oxygen as the final electron acceptor.
With myocardial infarction, this enzyme protects the heart muscle from the action of free radicals formed during ischemia (the activity of superoxide dismutase in the blood with myocardial infarction is high).
The reference values (norm) of activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in erythrocytes - 1092-1817 U / g hemoglobin.
The degree of increase in superoxide dismutase is inversely proportional to the activity of the left ventricle, and can be used as a marker of myocardial damage.
The activity of superoxide dismutase of erythrocytes is increased in patients with hepatitis and decreases with the development of acute hepatic insufficiency. Very high activity of superoxide dismutase in patients with various forms of leukemia. With Fanconi anemia, the activity of superoxide dismutase in erythrocytes is reduced and, conversely, increased with iron deficiency anemia and β-thalassemia.
With Down's syndrome, excess superoxide dismutase results in the accumulation of hydrogen peroxide in the brain tissue. A similar phenomenon occurs with aging, thus it is possible to explain the early aging of patients with Down syndrome.
High activity of superoxide dismutase in septic patients is considered an early marker of their respiratory distress syndrome.
With kidney diseases, the level of superoxide dismutase increases in response to the increased formation of free radicals. After hemodialysis, the activity of superoxide dismutase normalizes or becomes below the norm due to the development of micronutrient deficiencies.
The activity of superoxide dismutase of erythrocytes is reduced in rheumatoid arthritis, its level can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment.
The activity of superoxide dismutase is reduced in patients with weakened immune system, which makes such patients more sensitive to respiratory infections with the development of pneumonia.