SOD

The oxidative stress mechanism from SOD mutations is consistent with the nerve degeneration pattern seen in ALS. SOD is a powerful antioxidant enzyme and some ALS patients carry a mutation in the SOD gene. Reduced SOD activity leads to elevated oxidative stress that directly damages nervous system tissue and motor neurons. SOD is a powerful antioxidant enzyme whose reduced activity leads to elevated oxidative stress that directly damages nervous system tissue. The oxidative damage from reduced SOD activity is consistent with the nerve degeneration observed in ALS. Some ALS patients carry a mutation in the gene for superoxide dismutase (SOD). The SOD mutation is a manageable vulnerability that becomes life-threatening only when the melatonin safety net disappears with age.