superoxide dismutase

noun

superoxide dis·​mut·​ase -dis-ˈmyü-ˌtās 

-ˌtāz

: a metal-containing antioxidant enzyme that reduces harmful free radicals of oxygen formed during normal metabolic cell processes to oxygen and hydrogen peroxide

Examples of superoxide dismutase in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The black garlic treatment increased blood levels of the antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), suggesting that black garlic helps boost the body's antioxidant defenses, which may improve the health and functioning of the heart. —Jillian Kubala, Rd, Health, 2 July 2024

Erythrocyte reduced glutathione levels, erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities were significantly increased in the rats kept in the pyramid as compared to the other two groups. —Ncbi Rofl, Discover Magazine, 22 Feb. 2012

Dogs with two copies of a mutation in the gene superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) are at risk for the disease, but not all dogs with the mutation will develop the disease. —Kim Campbell Thornton, sacbee, 10 Jan. 2018

Word History

Etymology

dismutation (simultaneous oxidation and reduction) + -ase

First Known Use

1969, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

superoxide dismutase

noun

superoxide dis·​mu·​tase -ˈdis-myü-ˌtās 

: a metal-containing antioxidant enzyme that reduces potentially harmful free radicals of oxygen formed during normal metabolic cell processes to oxygen and hydrogen peroxide

—abbreviation SOD