Superoxide dismutase mimics and other redox-active therapeutics
Cellular metabolism is largely redox based, that is, involves shutting of electrons among biomolecules. The most crucial enzymes of the first-line defense against oxidative stress in all living organisms are members of the family of superoxide dismutases SODs When designing SOD mimics, the thermodynamic (the ability to accept and give electron to superoxide) and kinetic properties (the rate of electron transfer) of SOD enzyme were mimicked. In addition, the high stability of such molecules with regard to the loss of redox-active metal center was sought. Apart from SOD mimics, different other redox-active compounds have been developed and exhibit therapeutic effects in cellular and animal models of diseases. Several studies provided evidence that Mn porphyrins are able to suppress cellular transcription. Impact on signaling proteins may be one the major mechanisms of MnP actions.
