Possible new anti-inflammatory agent
Strauss, E.
Science 286(5438): 209-210
1999
ISSN/ISBN: 0036-8075 PMID: 10577184 Document Number: 503708
In this issue, researchers report that a nonprotein mimic of superoxide dismutase (SOD) that they previously discovered lessens tissue damage in animal models of inflammation and reperfusion injury. When generated in excessive quantities by mammalian cells, superoxide radicals contribute to the tissue damage caused in many inflammatory conditions and to reperfusion injury. SODs protect the body against superoxide and once looked promising in the treatment of inflammatory conditions. The enzymes triggered adverse immune reactions in some patients, however, and as with other proteins, they are rapidly broken down by the body's numerous protein-destroying enzymes. Daniela Salvemini and Dennis Riley of MetaPhore Pharmaceuticals in St. Louis and colleagues say that the new nonprotein SOD mimic is more specific in its actions than any other discovered.