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Chapter category: Ischemia-Reperfusion
Superoxide Dismutase Deficiency in Asthma
Chapter authors:
Mercedes Arroliga, Serpil C. Erzurum and Suzy A.A. Comhair
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Asthma is considered the most common chronic respiratory condition with a mortality
increase of 31% in the last 7 years. Recent evidence implicates oxygen-derived free
radicals as important mediators of inflammation in asthma. Although, the human lung
has an effective, well-integrated antioxidant system, which includes enzymatic and soluble antioxidants,
respiratory tract antioxidant capacity, specifically superoxide dismutase (SOD), is
decreased in asthma. Increased levels of superoxide in combination with loss of SOD activity
leads to damage of major cellular components such membrane lipids, protein, carbohydrates
and DNA resulting in widespread inflammation and tissue injury. In this chapter we review the
role of oxidants and antioxidants in the airway inflammation of asthma and provide a rationale
that supports antioxidant supplementations in asthma therapy.
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