Superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), and catalase (CAT) play a vital role in the antioxidant system of living organisms. They work together to protect cells from oxidative damage by converting reactive oxygen species into harmless substances.
Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is an important antioxidant enzyme in living organisms, and its main function is to catalyze the conversion of superoxide anion (O2-) into hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and oxygen (O2). Intracellularly, superoxide anion is a highly reactive oxygen species that can attack cellular structures such as cell membranes and mitochondria, leading to cell damage. The activity of SOD can reflect the degree of oxidative stress within cells, and when its levels are reduced, cells are susceptible to oxidative damage.
Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) is an enzyme that catalyzes the reduction of hydrogen peroxide by glutathione (GSH). Glutathione is an important tripeptide that is reductive and nucleophilic and protects cells from reactive oxygen species such as hydrogen peroxide. GSH-PX maintains intracellular levels of glutathione by converting hydrogen peroxide into water and glutathione, thereby protecting cells from oxidative damage.
Catalase (CAT) is an enzyme that catalyzes the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. Inside cells, hydrogen peroxide is a highly reactive substance that can attack cellular components such as proteins and DNA, leading to cell damage. CAT protects cells from oxidative damage by decomposing hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen, eliminating the activity of hydrogen peroxide.
In summary, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), and catalase (CAT) play an important biological role in living organisms, and they work together to convert reactive oxygen species into harmless substances and protect cells from oxidative damage. At the same time, they can also be used as an indicator of the degree of oxidative stress in the organism, reflecting the health status of the organism.