Page last updated: 2024-10-24

superoxide metabolic process

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The chemical reactions and pathways involving superoxide, the superoxide anion O2- (superoxide free radical), or any compound containing this species. [GOC:jl]

The superoxide metabolic process encompasses a series of biochemical reactions involving the production, detoxification, and utilization of superoxide radicals (O2-). Superoxide is a highly reactive oxygen species (ROS) that plays a crucial role in both physiological and pathological processes. Its production primarily occurs as a byproduct of mitochondrial respiration, where electrons leak from the electron transport chain and react with molecular oxygen. Additionally, superoxide can be generated by various enzymatic systems, including NADPH oxidases, xanthine oxidase, and cytochrome P450 enzymes.

Superoxide is a potent oxidant and can damage cellular components, including DNA, proteins, and lipids. To mitigate these damaging effects, cells have evolved elaborate defense mechanisms to detoxify superoxide. The primary enzyme responsible for superoxide detoxification is superoxide dismutase (SOD). SOD catalyzes the dismutation of superoxide into hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and molecular oxygen. Hydrogen peroxide is further detoxified by catalase and glutathione peroxidases.

Despite its detrimental effects, superoxide also participates in various physiological processes. In the immune system, superoxide is generated by phagocytes as a key component of the respiratory burst, a mechanism to kill invading pathogens. Additionally, superoxide plays a role in redox signaling pathways, regulating cellular processes like cell growth, differentiation, and apoptosis.

Dysregulation of superoxide metabolism is implicated in various pathological conditions. Excessive superoxide production, often termed oxidative stress, contributes to the development of diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and aging. On the other hand, impaired superoxide detoxification can also lead to pathological consequences.

Overall, the superoxide metabolic process is a complex and tightly regulated pathway that plays a crucial role in maintaining cellular homeostasis. Understanding this process is vital for comprehending the pathogenesis of various diseases and developing targeted therapies.'
"

Proteins (6)

ProteinDefinitionTaxonomy
NADPH oxidase 4An NADPH oxidase 4 that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:WCB, UniProtKB:Q9NPH5]Homo sapiens (human)
Excitatory amino acid transporter 3An excitatory amino acid transporter 3 that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:P43005]Homo sapiens (human)
Cystathionine beta-synthaseA cystathionine beta-synthase that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:P35520]Homo sapiens (human)
Nitric oxide synthase, inducibleA nitric oxide synthase, inducible that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:WCB, UniProtKB:P35228]Homo sapiens (human)
Neutrophil cytosol factor 1A neutrophil cytosol factor 1 that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:P14598]Homo sapiens (human)
Superoxide dismutase [Cu-Zn]A superoxide dismutase [Cu-Zn] that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:P00441]Homo sapiens (human)

Compounds (79)

CompoundDefinitionClassesRoles
aminooxyacetic acid(aminooxy)acetic acid : A member of the class of hydroxylamines that is acetic acid substituted at postion 2 by an aminooxy group. It is a compound which inhibits aminobutyrate aminotransferase activity in vivo, resulting in increased levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid in tissues.

Aminooxyacetic Acid: A compound that inhibits aminobutyrate aminotransferase activity in vivo, thereby raising the level of gamma-aminobutyric acid in tissues.
amino acid;
hydroxylamines;
monocarboxylic acid
anticonvulsant;
EC 2.6.1.19 (4-aminobutyrate--2-oxoglutarate transaminase) inhibitor;
EC 4.2.1.22 (cystathionine beta-synthase) inhibitor;
nootropic agent
alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acidalpha-Amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic Acid: An IBOTENIC ACID homolog and glutamate agonist. The compound is the defining agonist for the AMPA subtype of glutamate receptors (RECEPTORS, AMPA). It has been used as a radionuclide imaging agent but is more commonly used as an experimental tool in cell biological studies.non-proteinogenic alpha-amino acid
1-(1-naphthyl)piperazine1-(1-naphthyl)piperazine: serotonin agonist; structure given in first sourceN-arylpiperazine
n-(3-(aminomethyl)benzyl)acetamidineN-(3-(aminomethyl)benzyl)acetamidine: structure in first source

N-[3-(aminomethyl)benzyl]acetamidine : An aralkylamine that is Nbenzylacetamidine substituted at position 3 on the benzene ring by an aminomethyl group. An inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase.
aralkylamine;
carboxamidine;
primary amino compound
angiogenesis inhibitor;
EC 1.14.13.39 (nitric oxide synthase) inhibitor;
geroprotector
2-amino-4-picoline2-amino-4-picoline: RN given refers to parent cpd
3-bromo-7-nitroindazole
7-nitroindazole7-nitroindazole: an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase; exhibits anti-nociceptive activity without increasing blood pressure
pimagedineaminoguanidine : A one-carbon compound whose unique structure renders it capable of acting as a derivative of hydrazine, guanidine or formamide.

pimagedine: diamine oxidase & nitric oxide synthase inhibitor; an advanced glycosylation end product inhibitor; used in the treatment of diabetic complications; structure
guanidines;
one-carbon compound
EC 1.14.13.39 (nitric oxide synthase) inhibitor;
EC 1.4.3.4 (monoamine oxidase) inhibitor
aurintricarboxylic acidaurintricarboxylic acid : A member of the class of quinomethanes that is 3-methylidene-6-oxocyclohexa-1,4-diene-1-carboxylic acid in which the methylidene hydrogens are replaced by 4-carboxy-3-hydroxyphenyl groups. The trisodium salt is the biological stain 'chrome violet CG' while the triammonium salt is 'aluminon'.

Aurintricarboxylic Acid: A dye which inhibits protein biosynthesis at the initial stages. The ammonium salt (aluminon) is a reagent for the colorimetric estimation of aluminum in water, foods, and tissues.
monohydroxybenzoic acid;
quinomethanes;
tricarboxylic acid
fluorochrome;
histological dye;
insulin-like growth factor receptor 1 antagonist
ebselenebselen : A benzoselenazole that is 1,2-benzoselenazol-3-one carrying an additional phenyl substituent at position 2. Acts as a mimic of glutathione peroxidase.benzoselenazoleanti-inflammatory drug;
antibacterial agent;
anticoronaviral agent;
antifungal agent;
antineoplastic agent;
antioxidant;
apoptosis inducer;
EC 1.13.11.33 (arachidonate 15-lipoxygenase) inhibitor;
EC 1.13.11.34 (arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase) inhibitor;
EC 1.3.1.8 [acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (NADP(+))] inhibitor;
EC 1.8.1.12 (trypanothione-disulfide reductase) inhibitor;
EC 2.5.1.7 (UDP-N-acetylglucosamine 1-carboxyvinyltransferase) inhibitor;
EC 2.7.10.1 (receptor protein-tyrosine kinase) inhibitor;
EC 3.1.3.25 (inositol-phosphate phosphatase) inhibitor;
EC 3.4.22.69 (SARS coronavirus main proteinase) inhibitor;
EC 3.5.4.1 (cytosine deaminase) inhibitor;
EC 5.1.3.2 (UDP-glucose 4-epimerase) inhibitor;
enzyme mimic;
ferroptosis inhibitor;
genotoxin;
hepatoprotective agent;
neuroprotective agent;
radical scavenger
guanethidineguanethidine : A member of the class of guanidines in which one of the hydrogens of the amino group has been replaced by a 2-azocan-1-ylethyl group.

guanethidine sulfate : A organic sulfate salt composed of two molecules of guanethidine and one of sulfuric acid.

Guanethidine: An antihypertensive agent that acts by inhibiting selectively transmission in post-ganglionic adrenergic nerves. It is believed to act mainly by preventing the release of norepinephrine at nerve endings and causes depletion of norepinephrine in peripheral sympathetic nerve terminals as well as in tissues.
azocanes;
guanidines
adrenergic antagonist;
antihypertensive agent;
sympatholytic agent
hypericin
2-hydroxy-5-(2,5-dihydrobenzyl)aminobenzoic acidaromatic amine
quipazineQuipazine: A pharmacologic congener of serotonin that contracts smooth muscle and has actions similar to those of tricyclic antidepressants. It has been proposed as an oxytocic.piperazines;
pyridines
etironetiron: a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor; RN given refers to parent cpd; structure
s-methylisothiopseudouroniumS-methylisothiopseudouronium: inhibits nitric oxide synthase; structure in first source
cysteinecysteine;
cysteine zwitterion;
L-alpha-amino acid;
proteinogenic amino acid;
serine family amino acid
EC 4.3.1.3 (histidine ammonia-lyase) inhibitor;
flour treatment agent;
human metabolite
aspartic acidaspartic acid : An alpha-amino acid that consists of succinic acid bearing a single alpha-amino substituent

Aspartic Acid: One of the non-essential amino acids commonly occurring in the L-form. It is found in animals and plants, especially in sugar cane and sugar beets. It may be a neurotransmitter.

L-aspartic acid : The L-enantiomer of aspartic acid.
aspartate family amino acid;
aspartic acid;
L-alpha-amino acid;
proteinogenic amino acid
Escherichia coli metabolite;
mouse metabolite;
neurotransmitter
carbostyrilquinolin-2(1H)-one : A quinolone that is 1,2-dihydroquinoline substituted by an oxo group at position 2.

Quinolones: A group of derivatives of naphthyridine carboxylic acid, quinoline carboxylic acid, or NALIDIXIC ACID.
monohydroxyquinoline;
quinolone
bacterial xenobiotic metabolite
argininearginine : An alpha-amino acid that is glycine in which the alpha-is substituted by a 3-guanidinopropyl group.

Arginine: An essential amino acid that is physiologically active in the L-form.
arginine;
glutamine family amino acid;
L-alpha-amino acid;
proteinogenic amino acid
biomarker;
Escherichia coli metabolite;
micronutrient;
mouse metabolite;
nutraceutical
quinolineazaarene;
mancude organic heterobicyclic parent;
ortho-fused heteroarene;
quinolines
2-naphthylamine2-naphthylamine : A naphthylamine carrying the amino group at position 2.

2-Naphthylamine: A naphthalene derivative with carcinogenic action.
naphthylaminecarcinogenic agent
2-methylquinoline2-methylquinoline: RN given refers to parent cpd

methylquinoline : Any member of the class of quinolines carrying at least one methyl substituent.

quinaldine : A quinoline compound in which the quinoline skeleton is substituted at C-2 with a methyl group.
quinolines
2-aminopyrimidineaminopyrimidine : A member of the class of pyrimidines that is pyrimidine substituted by at least one amino group and its derivatives.

pyrimidin-2-amine : An aminopyrimidine carrying an amino group at position 2.
aminopyrimidine
2-aminobenzothiazolebenzothiazoles
alpha-aminopyridinealpha-aminopyridine: RN given refers to parent cpd; structure in Merck Index, 9th ed, #485

aminopyridine : Compounds containing a pyridine skeleton substituted by one or more amine groups.
oleanolic acidhydroxy monocarboxylic acid;
pentacyclic triterpenoid
plant metabolite
8-aminoquinoline
6-aminoquinoline
1,2-Dihydroquinolin-2-imineaminoquinoline
5-aminoquinoline
2-amino-3-methylpyridine2-amino-3-methylpyridine: structure in first source
2-aminothiazoline2-aminothiazoline: RN given refers to parent cpd; structure in first source & in Negwer, 5th ed, #97

4,5-dihydro-1,3-thiazol-2-amine : A 1,3-thiazole that is 4,5-dihydro-1,3-thiazole substituted by an amino group at position 2.
1,3-thiazoles;
primary amino compound
guanoxanguanoxan: was MH 1976-92 (see under GUANIDINES 1976-90); use GUANIDINES to search GUANOXAN 1976-92; antihypertensive agent similar in its mechanism of action to guanethidine; may cause liver damagebenzodioxine
glutamic acidglutamic acid : An alpha-amino acid that is glutaric acid bearing a single amino substituent at position 2.

Glutamic Acid: A non-essential amino acid naturally occurring in the L-form. Glutamic acid is the most common excitatory neurotransmitter in the CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM.
glutamic acid;
glutamine family amino acid;
L-alpha-amino acid;
proteinogenic amino acid
Escherichia coli metabolite;
ferroptosis inducer;
micronutrient;
mouse metabolite;
neurotransmitter;
nutraceutical
guanadrelguanadrel : A spiroketal resulting from the formal condensation of the keto group of cyclohexanone with the hydroxy groups of 1-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)guanidine. A postganglionic adrenergic blocking agent formerly used (generally as the sulfate salt) for the management of hypertension, it has been largely superseded by other drugs less likely to cause orthostatic hypotension (dizzy spells on standing up or stretching).

guanadrel: RN given refers to parent cpd; structure
guanidines;
spiroketal
adrenergic antagonist;
antihypertensive agent
ng-nitroarginine methyl esterNG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester: A non-selective inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase. It has been used experimentally to induce hypertension.alpha-amino acid ester;
L-arginine derivative;
methyl ester;
N-nitro compound
EC 1.14.13.39 (nitric oxide synthase) inhibitor
staurosporineindolocarbazole alkaloid;
organic heterooctacyclic compound
apoptosis inducer;
bacterial metabolite;
EC 2.7.11.13 (protein kinase C) inhibitor;
geroprotector
4-aminoquinoline
1-(4-pyridyl)piperazine1-(4-pyridyl)piperazine: structure in first source
1-aminoisoquinoline
4-amino-2-methylquinoline4-amino-2-methylquinoline: used to induce miniature endplate potentials
sym 2081
dihydrokainatedicarboxylic acid
s-methylthiocitrullineS-methyl-L-thiocitrulline : An L-arginine derivative in which the guanidino NH2 group of L-arginine is replaced by a methylsufanyl group.

S-methylthiocitrulline: a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor; structure in first source
imidothiocarbamic ester;
L-arginine derivative;
L-ornithine derivative;
non-proteinogenic L-alpha-amino acid
EC 1.14.13.39 (nitric oxide synthase) inhibitor;
neuroprotective agent
n(g)-iminoethylornithineL-alpha-amino acid
formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine methyl esterpeptide
n(omega)-hydroxyarginineN(5)-[(Z)-amino(hydroxyimino)methyl]-L-ornithine : An N(5)-[amino(hydroxyimino)methyl]-L-ornithine in which the double bond has Z-configuration.

N(omega)-hydroxyarginine: can cause vasorelaxation of bovine intrapulmonary artery; structure given in first source
amino acid zwitterion;
N(5)-[(E)-amino(hydroxyimino)methyl]ornithine;
N(5)-[(hydroxyamino)(imino)methyl]ornithine;
N(5)-[(Z)-amino(hydroxyimino)methyl]ornithine;
N(5)-[amino(hydroxyimino)methyl]-L-ornithine;
N(5)-[amino(hydroxyimino)methyl]ornithine;
N(omega)-hydroxy-L-arginine
omega-n-methylarginineN(omega)-methyl-L-arginine : A L-arginine derivative with a N(omega)-methyl substituent.

omega-N-Methylarginine: A competitive inhibitor of nitric oxide synthetase.
amino acid zwitterion;
arginine derivative;
guanidines;
L-arginine derivative;
non-proteinogenic L-alpha-amino acid
ng-nitroarginine methyl esterN(gamma)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride : A hydrochloride obtained by combining N(gamma)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester with one equivalent of hydrochloric acid.hydrochlorideEC 1.14.13.39 (nitric oxide synthase) inhibitor
serine o-sulfateL-serine O-sulfate : A non-proteinogenic L-alpha-amino acid that is the O-sulfo derivative of L-serine.

serine O-sulfate: RN given refers to (L)-isomer
L-serine derivative;
non-proteinogenic L-alpha-amino acid;
O-sulfoamino acid
delta-n-methylarginineN(5)-methyl-L-arginine : A non-proteinogenic L-alpha-amino acid that is L-arginine substituted by a methyl group at N(5)-position.guanidines;
L-arginine derivative;
non-proteinogenic L-alpha-amino acid
2-amino-5,6-dihydro-4h-1,3-thiazine2-amino-5,6-dihydro-4H-1,3-thiazine: RN given refers to parent cpd
Bardoxolonecyclohexenones
canavanineL-canavanine : A non-proteinogenic L-alpha-amino acid that is L-homoserine substituted at oxygen with a guanidino (carbamimidamido) group. Although structurally related to L-arginine, it is non-proteinogenic.amino acid zwitterion;
non-proteinogenic L-alpha-amino acid
phytogenic insecticide;
plant metabolite
nitroarginineN(gamma)-nitro-L-arginine : An L-arginine derivative that is L-arginine in which the terminal nitrogen of the guanidyl group is replaced by a nitro group.

Nitroarginine: An inhibitor of nitric oxide synthetase which has been shown to prevent glutamate toxicity. Nitroarginine has been experimentally tested for its ability to prevent ammonia toxicity and ammonia-induced alterations in brain energy and ammonia metabolites. (Neurochem Res 1995:200(4):451-6)
guanidines;
L-arginine derivative;
N-nitro compound;
non-proteinogenic L-alpha-amino acid
hinokininhinokinin : A lignan that is dihydrofuran-2(3H)-one (gamma-butyrolactone) substituted by a 3,4-methylenedioxybenzyl group at positions 3 and 4 (the 3R,4R-diastereoisomer).

hinokinin: suppresses expression of both HBsAg and HBeAg
benzodioxoles;
gamma-lactone;
lignan
trypanocidal drug
3-hydroxyaspartic acid, (threo-l)-isomer(3S)-3-hydroxy-L-aspartic acid : The (3S)-diastereomer of 3-hydroxy-L-aspartic acid.3-hydroxy-L-aspartic acidmetabolite
arl 17477
n(6)-(1-iminoethyl)lysineN(6)-acetimidoyl-L-lysine : An L-lysine derivative that is L-lysine in which one of the hydrogens attached to N(6) is substituted by an acetimidoyl groupL-lysine derivative;
non-proteinogenic L-alpha-amino acid
2-amino-3-phenylmethoxybutanedioic acidaspartic acid derivative
quercetin7-hydroxyflavonol;
pentahydroxyflavone
antibacterial agent;
antineoplastic agent;
antioxidant;
Aurora kinase inhibitor;
chelator;
EC 1.10.99.2 [ribosyldihydronicotinamide dehydrogenase (quinone)] inhibitor;
geroprotector;
phytoestrogen;
plant metabolite;
protein kinase inhibitor;
radical scavenger
3,7-dimethoxy-5,3',4'-trihydroxyflavone3,7-dimethoxy-5,3',4'-trihydroxyflavone: isolated from Veronia eremophila; structure given in first source

3',4',5-trihydroxy-3,7-dimethoxyflavone : A dimethoxyflavone that the 3,7-di-O-methyl derivative of quercetin.
dimethoxyflavone;
trihydroxyflavone
EC 1.3.1.22 [3-oxo-5alpha-steroid 4-dehydrogenase (NADP(+))] inhibitor;
metabolite
apigeninChamomile: Common name for several daisy-like plants (MATRICARIA; TRIPLEUROSPERMUM; ANTHEMIS; CHAMAEMELUM) native to Europe and Western Asia, now naturalized in the United States and Australia.trihydroxyflavoneantineoplastic agent;
metabolite
luteolin3'-hydroxyflavonoid;
tetrahydroxyflavone
angiogenesis inhibitor;
anti-inflammatory agent;
antineoplastic agent;
apoptosis inducer;
c-Jun N-terminal kinase inhibitor;
EC 2.3.1.85 (fatty acid synthase) inhibitor;
immunomodulator;
nephroprotective agent;
plant metabolite;
radical scavenger;
vascular endothelial growth factor receptor antagonist
kaempferol7-hydroxyflavonol;
flavonols;
tetrahydroxyflavone
antibacterial agent;
geroprotector;
human blood serum metabolite;
human urinary metabolite;
human xenobiotic metabolite;
plant metabolite
agathisflavoneagathisflavone : A biflavonoid that is obtained by oxidative coupling of two molecules of apigenin resulting in a bond between positions C-6 and C-8 of the two chromene rings.

agathisflavone: bis-apigenin coupled at 6 and 8 positions; isolated from the plant Canarium manii; has hepatoprotective activity against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity
biaryl;
biflavonoid;
hydroxyflavone
antineoplastic agent;
antiviral agent;
hepatoprotective agent;
metabolite
azaleatinazaleatin : A monomethoxyflavone that is quercetin in which the hydroxy group at position 5 is replaced by a methoxy group.7-hydroxyflavonol;
monomethoxyflavone;
tetrahydroxyflavone
plant metabolite
cupressuflavonecupressuflavone : A biflavonoid that is obtained by oxidative coupling of two molecules of apigenin resulting in a bond between positions C-8 of the two chromene rings respectively. Isolated from Cupressus sempervirens and Juniperus occidentalis, it exhibits free radical scavenging and antielastase activities.

cupressuflavone: from Cupressus macrocarpa; structure in first source
biflavonoid;
hydroxyflavone;
ring assembly
EC 3.4.21.37 (leukocyte elastase) inhibitor;
metabolite;
radical scavenger
myricetin7-hydroxyflavonol;
hexahydroxyflavone
antineoplastic agent;
antioxidant;
cyclooxygenase 1 inhibitor;
food component;
geroprotector;
hypoglycemic agent;
plant metabolite
dl-threo-beta-benzyloxyaspartate
podocarpusflavone apodocarpusflavone A: isolated from Podocarpus imbricatusflavonoid oligomer
rubrolide arubrolide A: from Synoicum prunum; structure in first source
gw 274150
aq4nAQ4N: structure given in first source
l-beta-threo-benzyl-aspartateL-beta-threo-benzyl-aspartate: structure in first source
oleanonic acidoleanonic acid: structure in first source
n-trans-p-coumaroyl-l-tyrosineN-trans-p-coumaroyl-L-tyrosine: from Theobroma cacao; structure in first sourcetyrosine derivative
ucph 1012-amino-4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-7-(naphthalen-1-yl)-5-oxo-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-4H-chromene-3-carbonitrile: structure in first source