Augmented inhibitory effect of superoxide dismutase on superoxide anion release from macrophages by direct...

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) was modified into cationized form (Cat-SOD) in order to enhance its pharmacological efficacy based on an electrostatic interaction. The inhibitory effect of Cat-SOD on superoxide anion release from inflammatory macrophages and its cellular interaction were studied in vitro. Cat-SOD exhibited an excellent inhibitory effect on superoxide anion release from the macrophages, and this effect surpassed those of native SOD and SOD modified with mannose (Man-SOD) which is taken up via mannose receptor-mediated endocytosis by macrophages. In the presence of colchicine, a microtubule-disruptive agent, the inhibitory effect of Cat-SOD was slightly impaired, whereas the effect of Man-SOD completely disappeared. The intracellular localization of fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled SOD, Cat-SOD and Man-SOD observed by confocal laser microscopy supported the difference in their abilities to eliminate superoxide anions. The different sensitivities of Cat-SOD and Man-SOD to colchicine were also confirmed by the confocal laser microscopic images, suggesting their distinct intracellular trafficking pathways in the macrophages. In conclusion, Cat-SOD is desirable for its pharmacological activity, which is probably the result of its ability to be delivered to the vicinity of NADPH-oxidase which locates in the cell membrane and generates superoxide anions.