Superoxide
Dismutase (SOD) is an enzyme that repairs cells and reduces the damage done to
them by superoxide, the most common free radical in the body. SOD is found in
both the dermis and the epidermis, and is key to the production of healthy
fibroblasts (skin-building cells).
Studies
have shown that SOD acts as both an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory in the
body, neutralizing the free radicals that can lead to wrinkles and precancerous
cell changes. Researchers are currently studying the potential of superoxide dismutase
as an anti-aging treatment, since it is now known that SOD levels
drop while free radical levels increase as we age.
Once in
circulation in the bloodstream, these powerful antioxidants go to work
detoxifying potentially harmful substances and reducing oxidative stress that
might otherwise contribute to aging
Superoxide
Dismutase has also been used to treat arthritis, prostate problems, corneal
ulcers, burn injuries, inflammatory diseases, inflammatory bowel disease, and
long-term damage from exposure to smoke and radiation, and to prevent side
effects of cancer drugs. In its topical form, it may help to reduce facial
wrinkles, scar tissue, heal wounds and burns, lighten dark or
hyperpigmentation, and protect against harmful UV rays.
Superoxide
dismutase is arguably the body’s most crucial antioxidant, as it is responsible
for disarming the most dangerous free radicals of all: the highly reactive
superoxide radicals. Superoxide radicals, or anions (negatively charged
atoms), are produced when oxygen gains an excess electron.
SOD is
responsible for catalyzing the conversion of superoxide to elemental oxygen and
hydrogen peroxide. This transformation is called dismutation, hence the
enzyme’s name.
As another example, consider the visible effects of free radical
damage to collagen, which forms the skin’s “scaffolding.” Healthy collagen is
responsible for the skin’s elasticity and, to no small degree, its youthful
appearance. As we age, internally generated reactive oxygen species gradually
damage the molecular structure of collagen, eventually producing outward signs
of aging such as skin wrinkling and sagging. For the first time, scientists at
the University of Aarhus in Denmark have shown that SOD plays an important role
in preventing this damage from occurring.
Studies
have shown that SOD can play a critical role in reducing internal inflammation
and lessening pain associated with conditions such as arthritis.
There
is a direct correlation between the oxidative stress and the Free-Radical
Theory of Aging. Appropriate levels of oxygen free radicals can facilitate
tissue metabolism and cell detoxification, but excessive oxygen free radicals
will damage the body.
Hyperbaric
Oxygen increases the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), which is
important for scavenging free radicals. Thus, the net effect is an increase in oxygen and a
reduction in oxygen free radicals, which then protects the body from the
effects of aging including the effects of the aging skin.
Bird Medical
Devices, Mumbai, India.
Tel:91-22-65 655 123
Cell: 9769 484 123 (or) 9769 006 123
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