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Superoxide dismutase and catalase as therapeutic agents for human diseases. A critical review
1Division of Rheumatology, Long Island Jewish Medical Center, New Hyde Park, NY 11042.
Abstract:
The list of human and animal diseases for which oxygen radical scavenging therapy is being recommended continues to grow, based primarily on inferential evidence suggesting a potential role for oxygen-derived free radicals in various types of pathophysiology. Some distinct advances in pharmacologic manipulation of protein scavengers have been made which could ultimately greatly enhance the use of these reagents as drugs, as well as some innovative techniques for drug delivery (direct injection via endoscopy, iontophoresis). Unfortunately, most of the therapeutic reports in the literature, almost all of which are based on usage of standard (native) SOD and/or catalase, are still anecdotal and/or uncontrolled. A review of the human disease/treatment literature suggests that further tightening of the scientific design of such trials is still badly needed; hopefully better experimental design will be applied when products such as PEG conjugates or genetically engineered polymers are ready for testing.
Insights
Oxygen radical scavenging therapy shows promise for various diseases, but current evidence is largely anecdotal. Improved experimental design is crucial for validating therapies like superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Science
- Pharmacology
- Pathophysiology
Background:
- Oxygen-derived free radicals are implicated in numerous human and animal diseases.
- Therapeutic recommendations for oxygen radical scavenging therapy are increasing, often based on inferential evidence.
- Advances in pharmacologic manipulation and drug delivery of protein scavengers are emerging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current state of oxygen radical scavenging therapy.
- To highlight the need for improved scientific rigor in clinical trials.
- To discuss the potential of advanced therapeutic agents and delivery methods.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on human and animal disease treatments using oxygen radical scavengers.
- Analysis of therapeutic reports focusing on standard superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase.
- Examination of novel drug delivery techniques such as endoscopic injection and iontophoresis.
Main Results:
- Most therapeutic reports are anecdotal or lack proper controls.
- Significant advances have been made in modifying protein scavengers (e.g., PEG conjugates) and drug delivery.
- There is a growing list of diseases for which this therapy is being considered.
Conclusions:
- Further tightening of scientific design in clinical trials is essential.
- Anecdotal evidence and uncontrolled studies limit the current validation of these therapies.
- Future testing of advanced agents like PEG conjugates and engineered polymers requires robust experimental design.