Cellular antioxidant enzymes

Cellular antioxidant enzymes constitute a class of enzymes that catalytically detoxify reactive oxygen species (ROS) and other free radicals, protecting cells from oxidative stress and resultant molecular damage. Key members include superoxide dismutase (SOD), which converts superoxide into hydrogen peroxide; catalase, which converts hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen; and glutathione peroxidase, which reduces hydrogen peroxide and lipid peroxides using glutathione as a substrate. Other enzymes involved in this system include thioredoxin reductase, heme oxygenase-1, peroxiredoxins, paraoxonases, and NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1. These enzymes are central to maintaining redox homeostasis and modulate the onset and progression of many diseases associated with oxidative stress, such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders. While numerous drugs and small molecules may influence their activity, "cellular antioxidant enzymes" is not a single molecular entity or pharmacological target, but rather an essential detoxification network critical for health and disease.

Other names

Antioxidant enzymesCellular antioxidant defense enzymesEnzymatic antioxidants

Upregulation of gene expression (e.g., Nrf2 pathway activation); Enzyme activity modulation (cofactors, activators/inhibitors); Direct enzymatic mimetic activity (e.g., SOD/catalase mimetics); Antioxidant scavenging of reactive oxygen species