Chapter 13 - Enhancing the Skin's Natural Antioxidant Enzyme System by the Supplementation or Upregulation of Superoxide Dismutase, Catalase, and Glutathione Peroxidase

Abstract

The skin is the body's largest organ and its first line of defense. It protects against a variety of harmful pathogens and environmental factors such as UV radiation, air pollution, and extreme temperatures. In order to preserve its effectiveness, the skin is sustained endogenously (protected from within) through an oxidant-antioxidant balance. An excess of certain oxidants, classified as reactive oxygen species (ROS), can cause cell death and oxidative stress. Examples of endogenous, enzymatic antioxidants include: superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). SOD is essential in halting the proliferation of free radicals and in triggering the further antioxidant activity of CAT and GPx. Nutritional supplements may be effective in increasing the production of endogenous antioxidants. In helping to preserve the oxidant-antioxidant balance, GliSODin® protects the skin and body from the ill effects of oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is damage in a cell, tissue, or organ, caused by ROS. ROS production is an inevitable consequence of metabolic processes in aerobic organisms. An excess of ROS and the resulting effects of dangerous free radicals such as O2– can disrupt this balance and lead ultimately to oxidative stress. O2– is the starting point of a cascade of free radical reactions, resulting in the unchecked proliferation of ROS. GliSODin® produces anti-inflammatory effects and also protects skin from photo-oxidative stress caused by UV radiation.