Antioxidant mechanisms catalase

Garlic s proven mechanisms of action include (a) inhibition of platelet function, (b) increased levels of two antioxidant enzymes, catalase and glutathione peroxidase, and (c) inhibition of thiol enzymes such as coenzyme A and HMG coenzyme A reductase. Garlic s anti-hyperlipidemic effects are believed to be in part due to the HMG coenzyme A reductase inhibition since prescription medications for hyperlipidemia have that mechanism of action (statins). It is unknown whether garlic would have the same drug interactions, side effects, and need for precautions as the statins. 

On the other hand, several ROS are highly cytotoxic. Consequently, eukaryotic cells have developed an elaborate arsenal of antioxidant mechanisms to neutrahze their deleterious effects (enzymes such as superoxide dismutases, catalases, glutathione peroxidases, thioredoxin inhibitors of free-radical chain reaction such as tocopherol, carotenoids, ascorbic acid chelating proteins such as lactoferrin and transferrin). It can be postulated that ROS may induce an oxidative stress leading to cell death when the level of intracellular ROS exceeds an undefined threshold. Indeed, numerous observations have shown that ROS are mediators of cell death, particularly apoptosis (Maziere et al., 2000 Girotti, 1998 Kinscherf et al., 1998 Suzuki et al., 1997 Buttke and Sanstrom, 1994 Albina et al., 1993). 

ROS are maintained at tolerable levels through the combined efforts of antioxidant mechanisms, which include both enzymes and nonenzymatic molecules. Important antioxidant enzymes include superoxide dismutases (SODs), catalases (CATs), peroxidases, and those maintaining reduced glutathione (GSH) levels. Nonenzymatic antioxidants include GSH, a tripeptide containing a cysteinamino acid, and vitamins, such as vitamin A, E, and C. 

Figure 14. Schematic of reactive oxygen species production and cellular defense mechanisms (antioxidant enzymes catalase, SOD, GSH). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production is detrimental for the cell. However, ROS, in small amounts and for short periods, can act as intermediates of cardioprotective signaling.

Fig. 121.3 Antioxidant mechanism garlic inhibiting oxidative modification of LDL-C, scavenging ROS, enhancing the cellular antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutothione peroxidase and glutothione in the cells, thus protecting endothelial cells from the injury by the oxidized molecules...

The induction of DNA strand breaks and chromosomal aberrations by cadmium in mammalian cells was suppressed by antioxidants and antioxidant enzymes, indicating the involvement of ROS [34—36], Since the extent of ROS and damage to cellular macromolecules depends on the equilibrium between their generation and detoxification or repair, respectively, the occurrence of oxidative DNA damage is assumed to be due to an inhibition of the antioxidant defense by cadmium, such as the antioxidant enzymes catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione peroxidase. One other mechanism proposed consists in the displacements of redox active metal ions, e.g., Fe ", for example in metallothionein, giving rise to Fenton reactions [35-37]. 

Future research should also focus its attention on the factors/mechanisms that regulate free-radical activity in vivo. The complex interrelationship between cellular and extracellular levels of antioxidants needs to be clarified, and factors that govern the synthetic rate of the scavenging enzymes, for example, SOD or catalase will provide further insight into cellular redox control. 

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