Oxidative Stress
 
· GliSODin® and oxidative damage
Variants of the oxygen molecule are involved influence numerous cellular and tissular metabolism. (1,2). However, reactive oxygen species stimulate inflammation and/or degenerative processes. Free radicals may injure cells and tissue directly via oxidative degradation of essential cellular components or injure cells indirectly by altering cell and tissue enzyme equilibrium. These free radicals induce the up regulation of several genes involved in Page 6

The immune and inflammatory response. Nutrients rich in anti- oxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E and/or GliSODin® may protect against oxidant-mediated inflammation and/or degeneration by scavenging free radicals, inhibiting various intracellular signalling pathways and promoting the body’s natural anti-oxidant defenses.

Evidence of free radical regulation by the GliSODin® product:
The damaging effects of free radicals particularly superoxide anion and peroxynitrite can be prevented or minimized by SOD. The ability of GliSODin® to lessen free radical damage and to regulate the production of superoxide radicals by balancing the good and bad effects of free radicals is being explored in various ongoing studies.

a) Free radical regulation
It is important to remember that free radicals are not detrimental in all instances. Generation of oxygen species is an indispensable action to sustain life. For example :

1. superoxide anion is an active oxygen species that plays an important role in the anti-microbial defence system and,
2. nitric oxide plays an important role in the regulation of normal vascular, neurological and immune functions.

b) anti-oxidant regulation
In various studies the GliSODin® product was found to concomitantly stimulate the production of nitric oxide and to diminish the superoxide anion production by phagocytic and epithelial cells. In that case, nitric oxide promoted the natural anti-oxidant defenses and thus protected cells against the deleterious effects of inflammation. This suggests that the orally deliverable SOD is not simply an enzyme that reduces the toxicity of superoxide anion but actually a free radical regulator.
 
· GliSODin® is a natural product that sits at the functional crossroads of oxidative stress and immunity.
The weakening of the immune system as we age is implicated in the increase in neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and opportunistic infections. The aging process is increasingly considered to be the sum of the ongoing deleterious free radical reactions in the cells, tissues, and organs. Life span may therefore be significantly influenced by the rate of free radical-mediated cell degradation. GliSODin® influences the production (e.g. cytokines) and the expression (e.g. cluster determinants) of products and mediators involved in the control of immunity and cell division. It may therefore contribute to the prevention or management of conditions associated with the aging process.

· Other applications of GliSODin® :
GliSODin® is a dietary supplement can reduce the immune system weakening effect of certain conventional drugs.