EntreMed's SOD connection

A report that superoxide dismutase inhibitors selectively kill leukemia cells provides evidence that SOD could be a target to treat cancer, as well as an alternative explanation of how EntreMed Inc.'s 2-methoxyestradiol compound works. M.D. Anderson researchers last week reported inNaturethat SOD inhibition caused free-radical damage to mitochondrial membranes, and subsequent apoptosis of leukemia cells.

SOD protects cells from damage by free radicals that are generated as a result of normal oxidative metabolism when electrons leak out of mitochondria. The toxic free radicals are converted to harmless molecules by SOD, catalase and glutathione peroxidase. Highly metabolically active cells, such as rapidly growing cancer cells, have more electron leakage, and so more free radicals. ...