Development of Functional Models for a SOD.

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is the scavenger of superoxide anion (O2(-)) and functions as a protector of living bodies. Study of a model compound of SOD is important when searching for the relationship between functions and structures of enzymes. Furthermore, SOD model compounds have potential for therapeutic usefulness. Although many SOD: model compounds have been reported, their structures are quite different from those of the native enzyme. Cu,Zn-SOD has been proposed for clinical uses. Unfortunately, many problems such as half-lifetime and antigenicity have not been overcome even though several copper(II) complexes are known to show SOD activity. Active oxygen species such as superoxide (O2(-)) from various components of the cellular electron transport chains, and provided during the respiratory burst of phagocytic cells, have been implicated both in the aging process and in degenerative diseases, including arthritis and cancer. Therefore, the biological system posseses the protective mechanisms against active species.