The role of manganese superoxide dismutase in health and disease

Manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) is the mitochondrial enzyme that disposes of superoxide generated by respiratory chain activity. Of all electrons passing down the mitochondrial respiratory chain, 1–2% are diverted to form superoxide; thus production of hydrogen peroxide occurs at a constant rate due to MnSOD activity. Mice lacking MnSOD develop cardiomyopathy and basal ganglia lesions, have no lipid peroxidation products, but show destruction of enzymes with 4Fe–4S centres. Patients with complex I (NADH-CoQ oxidoreductase) deficiency show variable hyperinduction of MnSOD that is at least partially dependent on the extent of disturbance of redox state. This in turn appears to result in production of excess hydroxyl radicals, which are damaging to proteins, lipids and DNA. An alternative method of protection from oxygen radicals is employed by complex I-deficient cell types that do not induce MnSOD in that they show induction of the bcl-2 protein.