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. 2009 Feb 1;77(3):285-96.
doi: 10.1016/j.bcp.2008.09.029. Epub 2008 Oct 1.

Catalase and glutathione peroxidase mimics

Brian J Day  1
Affiliations

Catalase and glutathione peroxidase mimics

Brian J Day. Biochem Pharmacol. .

Abstract

Overproduction of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) superoxide (O(2)(-)) and hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) are increasingly implicated in human disease and aging. ROS are also being explored as important modulating agents in a number of cell signaling pathways. Earlier work has focused on development of small catalytic scavengers of O(2)(-), commonly referred to as superoxide dismutase (SOD) mimetics. Many of these compounds also have substantial abilities to catalytically scavenge H(2)O(2) and peroxynitrite (ONOO(-)). Peroxides have been increasingly shown to disrupt cell signaling cascades associated with excessive inflammation associated with a wide variety of human diseases. Early studies with enzymatic scavengers like SOD frequently reported little or no beneficial effect in biologic models unless SOD was combined with catalase or a peroxidase. Increasing attention has been devoted to developing catalase or peroxidase mimetics as a way to treat overt inflammation associated with the pathophysiology of many human disorders. This review will focus on recent development of catalytic scavengers of peroxides and their potential use as therapeutic agents for pulmonary, cardiovascular, neurodegenerative and inflammatory disorders.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Endogenous scavenging of cellular peroxide. The cell’s steady-state peroxide (ROOH) levels are largely maintained by the activities of catalase, glutathione peroxidases (GPx) and the thioredoxin-assisted peroxidases (peroxiredoxins, Prx). This system also maintains cellular protein cysteines in a reduced (red) state. During oxidative stress, where cellular peroxides are elevated, there is an increased level of oxidized (ox) protein cysteines that leads to inactivation of phosphatases and transcription factors and dysregulated inflammatory reactions. This is the drug target and rationale for the development of catalase and GPx mimics.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Examples of catalase-like mimics chemical structures: (A) metalloporphyrins; (B) salens; and (C) other metal complexes.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Examples of glutathione peroxidase-like mimics chemical structures: (A) mono-selenium mimics; and (B) di-selenium mimics.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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