Catalase/Peroxidase Mimetic

Reactive oxygen species such as O2- and H2O2 pose a danger to tissues in the body if endogenous antioxidant sources are insufficient. To combat oxidative stress, the introduction of SOD complexes has been tested with limited success. Researchers are interested in testing smaller synthetic SOD mimetics because the synthetic molecules are smaller and have a longer half life than their organic protein counterparts which may make them more effective. In order to determine their effectiveness, their enzymatic activity will be assayed and compared to SOD, catalase, and peroxidase. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as peroxides, superoxide and hydroxyl radicals are reactive species that contain oxygen. The reactive oxygen species are known to have the role of cell signaling and homeostasis. Although having an excess amount of ROS can cause many negative effects and be toxic to the human body. There can be a number of reasons as to why there might be an excess amount of ROS and they can be endogenous or exogenous. Endogenous ROS could be from respiratory burst and inflammation; exogenous ROS could be from radiation and tobacco smoke. Having high levels of ROS can allow for damage to DNA, RNA, proteins and membrane oxidation known as oxidative stress [11]. Hydrogen peroxide in an excess quantity can be damaging since it may cause cellular energy producing enzymes such as glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase to become inactivated. Although ROS do have a purpose in our body we would like to avoid excessive amounts to avoid it’s toxicity.