Catalytic antioxidants are potential therapeutic agents for correction of oxidative stress-mediated pathologies

Abstract

Pathogenic role of overproduction of reactive oxygen species have been ascertained approximately for hundred human disorders. Metal-containing catalytic antioxidants (CA) present a novel class of potential therapeutic agents. CA are complex compounds which mimic the action of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and peroxidase, three major mammalian enzymes which effectively protect tissues from oxidative stress. Use of CA opens new approach for correction of oxidative stress-mediated pathologies. One of the most valuable properties of CA is scavenging of peroxinitrite. There are different classes of metal-containing CA that have shown efficacy in several oxidative stress models of human diseases. Most important targets of CA therapy are cardiovascular, neurodegenerative and injlammalory disorders. Several CA are currently under clinical studies by various pharmaceutical companies («Metaphore Pharmaceuticals», «Eukarion», «Aeolus Pharmaceuticals»).