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Superoxide dismutase in the blood
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Superoxide dismutase in the blood is the study of the enzyme responsible for the antioxidant function. Superoxide dismutase is referred to as SOD. This important enzyme activates the transformation of superoxide anions (the ion of an oxygen molecule in conjunction with an unpaired electron) into oxygen and hydrogen peroxide, which are not so dangerous to the body. An important function of SOD plays in the prevention and protection of the heart from the toxic elements released by the cells.
Superoxide dismutase in the blood is an indicator of the well-being of many systems and organs of the human body.
Elevated values of SOD can be with such pathologies and conditions:
- The stage of reperfusion (resumption of blood flow) with myocardial infarction;
- Lesions of parenchyma and renal glomeruli (nephropathy), including diabetic;
- Erosive-destructive polyarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis;
- Trisomy of the 21st pair of chromosomes (Down syndrome).
Superoxide dismutase in the blood as an indicator is important for determining the activity of the antioxidant system and monitoring therapeutic actions. Also, the norm of SOD is important for the whole organism because this enzyme perfectly corrects the level of free superoxide radicals, the admissible boundaries of superoxide dismutase range from 1092 to 1817 units / g.
The main important functions that are performed by superoxide dismutase in the blood are:
- Antioxidant control, radioprotective function;
- Anti-inflammatory function;
- Regenerating effect;
- The ability to dissolve, cleave cholesterol (anti-atherogenic action);
- Protective, cardioprotective function;
- Protection of the liver;
- Antivirus function;
- Normalization of the hormonal system, the functions of the gonads;
- Neutralization of lipid peroxidation - lipid peroxidation;
- Prevention of necrosis of the epithelium, mainly external;
- Pigmentation control, protection against hyperpigmentation.
In addition, the length and quality of life of any person depends on how high the superoxide dismutase in the blood is, or whether it is normal.
Superoxide dismutase in the blood is conventionally divided into isoenzymes (subspecies) and is often called a metal enzyme, in medicine three isoenzymes have been studied:
- Copper-zinc containing SOD-1;
- manganese-containing SOD-2;
- copper-zinc-containing SOD-3 extracellular.
Superoxide dismutase in the blood is distributed in this way:
SOD-1 is located in the inner part of the cell - the cytoplasm, SOD-3 in the bodice. Plasma and synovial fluid, and SOD-2 in chondriosomes - mitochondria. Enzyme is very active in the adrenal glands, spleen, kidneys and liver. Most copper-zinc containing and manganese-containing enzymes are found in red blood cells.
Superoxide dismutase in the blood as a primary antioxidant maintains and controls the rate of free radicals and thus creates conditions for the normal use of the oxygen environment by man. In addition, SOD successfully deactivates one of the most dangerous toxins for cells - ROS, that is, active forms of oxygen. After the decomposition of ROS, hydrogen peroxide is formed, which can damage superoxide dismutase (its molecules), for this reason, SOD always functions together with catalase. Catalase quite quickly cleaves the peroxide harmful to SOD for water and oxygen. In just one second, oxidoreductase (catalase) can process up to 440,000 hydrogen peroxide elements. SOD and catalase are linked together and the concentration of one enzyme affects the level of the other. So superoxide dismutase in the blood with infarction can be increased, which means that the level of catalase also rises. Similarly, SOD behaves in case of hepatitis and various diseases of the blood (leukemia). With anemia of all types, SOD can fluctuate: with iron deficiency anemia, the enzyme in the blood is in high concentration, with Fanconi's disease it decreases, just like in kidney pathology. Activity exceeding normal limits is observed in sepsis. Rheumatoid arthritis, weakening of the immune system is accompanied by a decrease in SOD activity, so these patients are extremely susceptible to various infections and viruses.
Superoxide dismutase in the blood is an important indicator of both the overall healthy state of the organism and the marker of many diseases of organs and systems. SOD is regulated not only by the intake of special antioxidant drugs, but also by the observance of the rules of healthy eating and lifestyle.
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