IMBALANCE OF ANTIOXIDANT ENZYMES AND CANCER

Abstract

Oxidants are the substances which are produced in the body normally during a healthy and normal cellular metabolism. These chemical reactions are catalyzed by enzymes. Antioxidants refer to a substance that inhibits the oxidation process. Oxygen is a molecule which is highly reactive, and creates damage to living species by producing oxygen-based compounds that are reactive. The damage that is caused to the macromolecules at a cellular level is a main reason given for origin of many, life threatening illness including cancer. To protect itself, the body produces multiple antioxidant enzymes. Antioxidant enzymes refer to the proteins which are involved in the reactive oxygen species transformation which is a catalytic reaction along with their by -products into stable molecules which are non-toxic, and thereby representing a defense mechanism which is very important against the damage of cell because of the criteria oxidative stress-induced. The main Antioxidant enzymes are GPx (Glutathione Peroxidase), SOD (Superoxide Dismutase), CAT (Catalases), GST (Glutathione S- Transferase), and GR (Glutathione Reductase). An imbalance of any of these enzymes has serious repercussions. A study of cancer cells, showed an imbalance in the antioxidant enzyme level which is prevalent in almost all the types of Cancers. Low enzyme levels are commonly seen in human and animal cancer cells. It is significant to analyze and study the effects of these enzyme in case if unbalancing occur, as well as how and what type of reactions occur leading to the growth of cancer cells in the human body.