Superoxide dismutase (SOD) are a group of metalloenzymes, the first line of defence against reactive oxygen species (ROS)-medicated injury. SOD is responsible for catalysing the dismutation of the superoxide anion free radical (O₂^–) into molecular oxygen and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). The aim of this process is to reduce the levels of O₂^– as it damages cells at excessive concentrations ¹.

SOD is the most important antioxidant defence against oxidative stress. SOD is a severe anti-inflammatory agent and can prevent precancerous cell changes. Reduced SOD levels have been observed in older generations as SOD levels drop as the body ages and so are more prone to oxidative related diseases. Reduced SOD activity has been identified as having a strong correlation with Alzheimer’s Disease. The overexpression of SOD-2 reduces hippocampal superoxide, preventing memory defects ¹. Moreover, SOD has been identified as a potential diagnostic and prognostic marker in patients with gastric cancer ². SOD has also been linked to other health conditions, including: rheumatoid arthritis, RBC-related disorders, Crohn’s Disease, cystic fibrosis, malignant breast cancer and neuronal apoptosis ^{1, 3}.

Fig. 1. Pathological effects associated with SOD gene mutation or SOD deficiency ⁴