Selenium intake may worsen prostate cancer in some, study reports Jun 26, 2009
The variants are slightly different forms of a gene that instructs cells to make manganese superoxide dismutase (SOD2), an enzyme that protects the body against harmful oxygen compounds. The research findings suggest that "if you already have prostate cancer, it may be a bad thing to take selenium," says Philip Kantoff, MD, director of Dana-Farber's Lank Center for Genitourinary Oncology and senior author of the study that is published by the Journal of Clinical Oncology on its website now and... (EurekAlert!)
Does lung cancer get short shrift? Jun 21, 2009
He has found that doctors can counteract the toxicity of the treatment if patients swallow a substance that produces the enzyme manganese superoxide dismutase. Even if people have a hard time relinquishing their disdain for smokers, there are two other good reasons not to be dismissive toward lung cancer patients, the activists said. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Finding Raises Hope for Treating ALS Jun 17, 2009
The Florida researchers examined the gene that produces superoxide dismutase 1, or SOD1, an enzyme that fights off free radicals -- molecules that damage the body's cells. People with the inherited version of ALS have been found to have one of the 146 known mutations in the SOD1 gene. (MEDLINEplus)
Today In the Kitchen: Aloe vera’s benefits May 15, 2009
It contains SOD (superoxide dismutase), an enzyme that helps protect cell membranes from free radical damage. As with all nutrients, those in natural food form are better than pills because the body can more readily absorb and utilize them. (Green Valley News & Sun, AZ)
UMMS researchers isolate first 'neuroprotective' gene in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis May 12, 2009
In 1993, a team of researchers led by Dr. Brown discovered the first gene linked to familial ALS, a protein anti-oxidant known as superoxide dismutase, or SOD1. Earlier this year, Dr. Brown and his colleagues discovered a mutation in the FUS/TLS gene which is estimated to account for 5 percent of inherited ALS cases. (EurekAlert!)
Hans Selye Foundation Targets 2009 Stress Casualties: A Science-based Agenda for Coaches and Trainers Apr 30, 2009
Superoxide dismutase information and products. New Puppy. (Yahoo News -- Press Releases)
New study overturns orthodoxy on how macrophages kill bacteria Apr 28, 2009
Bacteria and animal cells contain special enzymes, called superoxide dismutases, which neutralize an important ROS, called superoxide ... To test this hypothesis, Slauch and graduate student Maureen Craig looked at the superoxide dismutases that are part of the bacterial defense against ROS. There are two such enzymes in the cytoplasm of S. typhimurium, called SodA and SodB, and another, SodC, in the periplasm, the space between the bacteria's inner and outer membranes ... These results suggest... (EurekAlert!)
Patricia Goodwin: Go with the grain Apr 3, 2009
This trace mineral helps produce a very important antioxidant enzyme called superoxide dismutase. Manganese also produces energy from protein and carbohydrates and is involved in the synthesis of fatty acids, which are important for a healthy nervous system. (Hamilton Wenham Chronicle, MA)
Changes In Gene May Stunt Lung Development In Children Apr 1, 2009
D., professor of occupational and environmental health at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, and Holger Schulz, M.D., professor of medicine at the Institute of Lung Biology and Disease, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Munich, focused on a gene called superoxide dismutase 3 (SOD3), previously shown to protect the lungs from the effects of asbestos and oxidative stress ... Ganguly et al. Superoxide dismutase 3, extracellular (SOD3) variants and lung... (Science Daily)
Forget The Antioxidants? Researchers Cast Doubt On Role Of Free Radicals In Aging Feb 19, 2009
They progressively disabled five genes responsible for producing a group of proteins called superoxide dismutases (SODs), which detoxify one of the main ROS. Earlier studies seemed to show that decreased SOD production shortened an organism's lifespan, but Hekimi and Van Raamsdonk did not observe this ... Deletion of the Mitochondrial Superoxide Dismutase sod-2 Extends Lifespan in Caenorhabditis elegans. (Science Daily)
ALS Aggregates Are Composed Of Only One Protein Apr 1, 2008
31, 2008) Researchers have provided a big new clue to help combat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), deciphering that the dense protein aggregates that contribute to the nerve decay of ALS are composed of just one protein: superoxide dismutase (SOD1). See also. (Science Daily)
New Gene Responsible For Lou Gehrig's Disease Identified Apr 1, 2008
In 1993, Dr. Rouleau and his team also helped identify "superoxide dismutase" as the gene that causes the disease in 10 to 20 percent of all familial cases of ALS. This cornerstone study led to development of several mouse and rat models of ALS that closely resemble the motor neuron disorder observed in ALS patients. These models have been very useful to study molecular and cellular mechanisms of disease and to test treatments for ALS.. (Science Daily)
Story ideas from the Journal of Biological Chemistry Mar 22, 2008
Researchers have provided a big new clue to help combat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), deciphering that the dense protein aggregates that contribute to the nerve decay of ALS are composed of just one protein: superoxide dismutase (SOD1). While the aggregation of mutated SOD1, a protein that normally protects cells from free radical damage, is a tell-tale sign of familial ALS, the exact composition of these aggregates has been unclear. (EurekAlert!)
Potential New Weapon against Lou Gehrig's Disease Nov 30, 2007
In the 10 percent of inherited cases, a common mutation occurs in the gene superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), which is the gene that the Wake Forest team altered in its mouse model. Fifty days after the mice were born, one group was injected three times a week with Hsp70 and another received Riluzole, approved by the Food and Drug Administration to combat ALS.. (Scientific American)
Yoga can help heart failure patients Nov 7, 2007
The study found significant differences in levels of biological markers in the blood interleukin-6, C-reactive protein and extra-cellular superoxide dismutase between patients who completed the yoga therapy and those who received standard medical therapy. Patients on yoga therapy completed the regimen without complications. (MSNBC -- Health)
Amorfix Life Sciences develops two vaccines that extend life in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) animal model Oct 9, 2007
In March, Amorfix established a passive immunization approach in the same mouse model of ALS by injecting monoclonal antibodies that target the misfolded superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) protein. The paper entitled "Active and Passive Immunization of SOD1 Disease Specific Epitopes in a Mouse Model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis" will be presented by Dr. Neil Cashman, the Chief Scientific Officer of Amorfix. (Canada Newswire)
Nanotechnology Identifies Peptide 'Fingerprint' In Both Forms Of ALS Sep 17, 2007
The UB researchers identified that this unique, cross-linked species contains superoxide dismutase, a protein that had been previously linked to only the familial form of ALS.. "These results say that the mechanism in ALS involving superoxide dismutase is even more general," said Wood. (Science Daily)
Handicapping Tuberculosis May Be The Way To A Better Vaccine Aug 3, 2007
A weapon in TB's arsenal is an enzyme called superoxide dismutase A, or sodA. This enzyme helps TB cover its tracks, so the macrophage doesn't know it's infected. Jacobs and his team hypothesized that eliminating this enzyme's activity would give macrophages the opportunity to trigger apoptosis, thus prompting a more effective immune response. (Science Daily)
Amorfix acheives first milestone in therapeutic ALS partnership with Biogen Idec Jul 23, 2007
"We have successfully achieved the first of three predefined milestones for our therapeutic ALS program with Biogen Idec. The research is focused on the role of monoclonal antibodies targeted to misfolded superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) for the treatment of ALS," said Dr. George Adams, CEO of Amorfix Life Sciences. "Achieving this technical milestone provides additional validation of our general approach to treat all aggregated misfolded protein diseases." Amorfix has demonstrated that a targeted... (Canada Newswire)
Shielding The Brain From Too Much Insulin Can Prolong Life Jul 21, 2007
They were more active in old age, retained youthful metabolic cycles (burning sugar by day and fat by night) and retained protective levels of anti-oxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, which protect against oxidative stress, or "biological rusting," in the brain and body. In contrast, the mice with normal insulin signaling had become more sedentary, had lost the metabolic rhythms of youth and had reduced anti-oxidant enzymes, leaving them vulnerable to cellular damage. (Science Daily)
New Clue Into How Diet And Exercise Enhance Longevity Jul 21, 2007
"It reduces the amount of insulin needed in the body to control blood glucose, and it promotes growth, survival and insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells. In earlier work, the researchers had found that knocking out both copies of the Irs2 gene in mice reduces brain growth and produces diabetes due to pancreatic beta cell failure. However, in the new study, when the researchers knocked out only one copy of the gene, they found the mice lived 18 percent longer than normal mice. Because... (Science Daily)
Less Insulin In Brain Is Key To Long Life Jul 21, 2007
They were also more active than normal mice, and after eating, their brains had higher levels of a compound called superoxide dismutase, an antioxidant that protects cells from damage. "Diet, exercise and lower weight keep your peripheral tissues sensitive to insulin," White said. (Newsmax)
Molecular evolution of the reactive oxygen-generating NADPH oxidase (Nox/Duox) family of enzymes Jul 6, 2007
In contrast to ROS defense enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase and catalase that are present in prokaryotes, ROS-generating Nox/Duox orthologs only appeared later in evolution. Molecular taxonomy revealed seven distinct subfamilies of Noxes and Duoxes. (BioMed Central)
Enzyme Delivered In Smaller Package Protects Cells From Radiation Damage Jun 5, 2007
Based on previous studies showing that intravenous gene therapy delivery of the enzyme manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) could protect mice from whole body irradiation, and in preparation for a potential clinical trial of systemic MnSOD in humans, the University of Pittsburgh and Stanford researchers, led by Joel S. Greenberger, M.D., professor and chair of the department of radiation oncology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, delivered the human MnSOD enzyme into mouse... (Science Daily)
Levels of oxidative stress biomarkers in seminal plasma and their relationship with seminal parameters Jun 1, 2007
The aim of the present study was to assess seminal plasma levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), free 8-Isoprostane and activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in men with asthenozoospermia, asthenoteratozoospermia and oligoasthenoteratozoospermia compared with normozoospermic males. Methods. (BioMed Central)
New Insight Into Cause Of Lou Gehrig's Disease May 30, 2007
In a paper published in the June 1 issue of the Journal of Biological Chemistry, UK molecular and cellular biochemistry assistant professor Haining Zhu reports on how mutations in the gene that makes superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) slows down the intracellular transport of molecules in neurons. The results of the study by Zhu and his colleagues show that the defective transport of molecules is probably due to the aberrant interaction between the disease-causing SOD1 mutants and a motor complex... (Science Daily)
A close-up on pancreatic disease: How do we improve the odds? May 23, 2007
The team also assessed markers of oxidative stress [thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), serum superoxide dismutase (s-SOD)] and antioxidant status [ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), vitamins A, C and E, erythrocyte SOD (e-SOD), erythrocyte total glutathione (E-TGSH). According to the study results, antioxidant supplementation was effective in relieving pain related to CP, with reduced levels of oxidative stress and increases in antioxidant status. (EurekAlert!)
Scientists find elixir of eternal life May 4, 2007
Detailed work showed that the gene can boost levels of proteins called SODs (superoxide dismutase) which mop up free radicals, harmful chemicals linked with ageing. The researchers think that this may be a defence mechanism that helps the creatures tolerate starvation. (Telegraph.co.uk)
Amelioration of galactosamine-induced nephrotoxicity by a protein isolated from the leaves of the herb, Cajanus indicus L Apr 25, 2007
The activities of antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST), levels of cellular metabolites, reduced glutathione (GSH), total thiols, oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and lipid peroxidation end products were determined to estimate the status of the antioxidative defense system. In addition, serum creatinine and urea nitrogen (UN) levels were also measured as a marker of nephrotoxicity. (BioMed Central)
Diseased Brain Cells More Involved In ALS-associated Motor Neuron Death Apr 18, 2007
D., co-director of the Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, and his colleagues found that astrocytes expressing a mutated form of a gene, superoxide dismutase (SOD1), killed only the neurons that degenerate in ALS, not other types of neurons, and that this was due to a soluble toxic factor released by the astrocytes. If this toxic factor can be identified in future studies, this finding may offer novel strategies for ALS therapy. (Science Daily)
Study: astrocytes kill neurons in ALS Apr 17, 2007
The scientists found mutations in the gene for superoxide dismutase, or SOD1, cause some cases of ALS, in which progressive degeneration of motor neurons leads to paralysis and eventually death. Motor neurons degenerated and died when co-cultured with astrocytes expressing mutant SOD1, while mutant SOD1 in neurons, fibroblasts or microglia did not cause neuronal death. (United Press International)
Antioxidant Power Mar 23, 2007
The first source is the natural antioxidants your body produces like gluthathione, which protects cells from toxins and superoxide dismutase that breaks down superoxide into oxygen and hydrogen peroxide, which stops it from causing damage to cells. Another source of antioxidants is found in foods like fruits and leafy green vegetables. (Fox News)
Why Do Women Tend To Live Longer Than Men? Biologist's Model Offers New Ways To Study Gender Differences In Aging Feb 10, 2007
In 1999, Tower's graduate student, Jingtao Sun, showed that a gene for the antioxidant enzyme Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD) led to a longer life span in male flies, but had a less dramatic impact in females ... In recent years, much of Tower's research on aging has focused on extending life span by manipulating genes that produce the cell's most powerful and ancient antioxidants -- the superoxidase dismutase (SOD) enzymes. (Science Daily)
Polymer Microparticles Show Promise As Ingenious New Druge Delivery System Jan 17, 2007
In a report scheduled for the Jan. 17 issue of ACS' Bioconjugate Chemistry, a bi-monthly journal, Georgia Tech's Niren Murthy and colleagues at Emory University School of Medicine describe successful cell culture experiments with microparticles encapsulating superoxide dismutase (SOD). That compound is getting wide attention as a potential treatment for inflammatory diseases because it scavenges reactive oxygen species. (Science Daily)
