Catalase, encoded by the CAT gene, has a crucial role in skin health, hair and aging. Oxidative stress, resulting from an imbalance between free radical production and antioxidant defenses such as catalase, is a major contributor to skin aging and sk

<div class="intercom-h2b-video" style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen frameborder="0" mozallowfullscreen src="https://www.loom.com/embed/ec48972732514bc99691f8a9e54b928d" webkitallowfullscreen></iframe></div> Catalase, encoded by the CAT gene, has a crucial role in skin health, hair and aging. Oxidative stress, resulting from an imbalance between free radical production and antioxidant defenses such as catalase, is a major contributor to skin aging and skin diseases. For instance, studies show that reduced catalase levels in the skin are linked to vitiligo, a skin condition characterized by loss of pigment [1]. It has also been linked with premature greying of hair. This is due to its role in breaking down hydrogen peroxide in the body. A buildup of hydrogen peroxide in hair follicles can cause oxidative stress, which damages the melanin-producing cells in the hair follicles. Melanin is responsible for hair color, and damage to these cells can lead to a loss of hair pigment, or grey hair [4]. Furthermore, catalase may protect the skin against the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, a major cause of skin aging and skin cancer. UV radiation induces the production of reactive oxygen species in the skin, leading to oxidative stress, inflammation, and DNA damage. By breaking down hydrogen peroxide, a potent reactive oxygen species, catalase helps prevent UV-induced oxidative damage, thereby potentially slowing down skin aging and reducing the risk of skin cancer [2]. Given these roles, boosting catalase activity may help maintain skin health. For instance, topically applied antioxidants, including catalase, have been shown to enhance the skin&apos;s antioxidant defenses and protect against UV-induced damage [3]. <h4 id="h_97222c0aba">Boosting catalase function can be accomplished through several dietary and lifestyle strategies:</h4><ol><li>Diet and Lifestyle: A diet rich in antioxidants can support the overall health of your body&apos;s cells, including those that produce catalase. In particular, fruits and vegetables are rich sources of antioxidants. Foods high in flavonoids, such as berries, and in polyphenols, such as dark chocolate and nuts, can also help to support the activity of catalase [5].</li><li>Supplementation: Certain vitamins and minerals are known to enhance catalase function. These include vitamins C and E, which have antioxidant properties [6]. In addition, selenium is an essential mineral that can support the activity of catalase [7]. Glutathione and NAC are also key antioxidants that can be takenorally.</li><li>Exercise: Regular physical exercise has been shown to boost the activity of catalase [8]. This could be because exercise increases the production of reactive oxygen species, which in turn stimulates the body&apos;s antioxidant defense system.</li></ol>References:<ol><li>Schallreuter KU, Moore J, Wood JM, Beazley WD, Gaze DC, Tobin DJ, Marshall HS, Panske A, Panzig E, Hibberts NA. In vivo and in vitro evidence for hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) accumulation in the epidermis of patients with vitiligo and its successful removal by a UVB-activated pseudocatalase. J Investig Dermatol Symp Proc. 1999 Sep;4(1):91-6.</li><li>Kohen R. Skin antioxidants: their role in aging and in oxidative stress--new approaches for their evaluation. Biomed Pharmacother. 1999 May;53(4):181-92.</li><li>Polj&#x161;ak B, Dahmane RG, Godi&#x107; A. Intrinsic skin aging: the role of oxidative stress. Acta Dermatovenerol Alp Pannonica Adriat. 2012 Jun;21(2):33-6.</li><li>Wood JM, Decker H, Hartmann H, et al. Senile hair graying: H2O2-mediated oxidative stress affects human hair color by blunting methionine sulfoxide repair. FASEB J. 2009;23(7):2065-2075.</li><li>Cory H, Passarelli S, Szeto J, Tamez M, Mattei J. The Role of Polyphenols in Human Health and Food Systems: A Mini-Review. Front Nutr. 2018 Sep 26;5:87.</li><li>Niki E. Role of vitamin E as a lipid-soluble peroxyl radical scavenger: in vitro and in vivo evidence. Free Radic Biol Med. 2014 Jan;66:3-12.</li><li>Rayman MP. The importance of selenium to human health. Lancet. 2000 Jul 15;356(9225):233-41.</li><li>Ji LL. Exercise-induced modulation of antioxidant defense. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2002 Apr;959:82-92.</li></ol>

CAT gene: nutrition, lifestyle and hacks to improve function

Understanding and Supporting Your SOD2 Gene. SOD2, or Superoxide Dismutase 2, is a vital player in our body's defense system, protecting our cells from the damaging effects of free radicals. This gene encodes an enzyme that works within our mitochond

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Understanding and Supporting Your SOD2 Gene
SOD2, or Superoxide Dismutase 2, is a vital player in our body&apos;s defense system, protecting our cells from the damaging effects of free radicals. This gene encodes an enzyme that works within our mitochondria - the energy factories of our cells - to neutralize harmful byproducts called superoxide radicals generated during energy production (1).
If you have the GG variant of the SOD2 gene, you might experience an altered function of this protective enzyme, which could potentially impact your cellular and mitochondrial health (2).
However, don&apos;t worry. There are ways to support and boost the function of the SOD2 gene through specific lifestyle, dietary, and supplementation strategies.

Supporting SOD2 with a Healthy Diet
In addition to supplementation, your diet can play a pivotal role in supporting the SOD2 gene function. Foods rich in antioxidants, especially dark-colored fruits and vegetables like spinach and berries, are beneficial. A varied diet ensures a broad spectrum of antioxidants for your body&apos;s use (12).

Manganese and Its Role in Supporting SOD2
Manganese is a vital nutrient for the proper functioning of the SOD2 enzyme. It&apos;s because SOD2 is a manganese-dependent enzyme, meaning it requires this mineral to carry out its antioxidant work efficiently within our mitochondria (13).
So how can you ensure you&apos;re getting enough manganese? This mineral is readily available in a variety of foods. Nuts and seeds, whole grains, leafy green vegetables, and tea are rich in manganese (14). Consuming a balanced diet with these foods can help ensure you&apos;re supporting your SOD2 gene effectively. However, it&apos;s important to remember that while manganese is essential for SOD2 function, it is required in trace amounts, and excessive consumption can lead to negative health effects. As always, balance is key.

Enhancing SOD2 Function with Supplementation
Numerous supplements can contribute to the enhanced function of the SOD2 gene and overall antioxidant activity:
<ol>
<li>
CoQ10: This naturally occurring compound plays a vital role in mitochondrial energy production and provides powerful antioxidant protection (3).
</li>
<li>
N-Acetyl Cysteine: This supplement can increase the levels of glutathione, a potent antioxidant in your body (4).
</li>
<li>
Vitamin C: This essential vitamin is a powerful antioxidant that can neutralize harmful free radicals (5).
</li>
<li>
Alpha-Lipoic Acid, Green Tea, and Mushrooms: These substances are renowned for their antioxidant properties, contributing to overall protection against oxidation (6, 7, 8).
</li>
<li>
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These essential fats can reduce inflammation and offer antioxidant benefits (9).
</li>
<li>
Isoflavones and Vitamin E: Known for their antioxidant effects, these compounds aid in protecting against oxidative stress (10, 11).
</li>
</ol>
References:
<ol>
<li>
Miao, L., &amp; St. Clair, D. K. (2009). Regulation of superoxide dismutase genes: implications in disease. Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 47(4), 344-356.
</li>
<li>
Sutton, A., et al. (2003). The Ala16Val genetic dimorphism modulates the import of human manganese superoxide dismutase into rat liver mitochondria. Pharmacogenetics and Genomics, 13(3), 145-157.
</li>
<li>
Littarru, G. P., &amp; Tiano, L. (2007). Bioenergetic and antioxidant properties of coenzyme Q10: recent developments. Molecular biotechnology, 37(1), 31-37.
</li>
<li>
Atkuri, K. R., Mantovani, J. J., Herzenberg, L. A., &amp; Herzenberg, L. A. (2007). N-Acetylcysteine&#x2014;a safe antidote for cysteine/glutathione deficiency. Current opinion in pharmacology, 7(4), 355-359.
</li>
<li>
Carr, A. C., &amp; Maggini, S. (2017). Vitamin C and immune function. Nutrients, 9(11), 1211.
</li>
<li>
Rochette, L., Ghibu, S., Muresan, A., &amp; Vergely, C. (2015). Alpha-lipoic acid: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic potential in diabetes. The Canadian Journal of Cardiology, 31(12), 1311-1318.
</li>
<li>
Lambert, J. D., &amp; Elias, R. J. (2010). The antioxidant and pro-oxidant activities of green tea polyphenols: a role in cancer prevention. Archives of biochemistry and biophysics, 501(1), 65-72.
</li>
<li>
Valverde, M. E., Hern&#xE1;ndez-P&#xE9;rez, T., &amp; Paredes-L&#xF3;pez, O. (2015). Edible mushrooms: improving human health and promoting quality life. International journal of microbiology, 2015.
</li>
<li>
Calder, P. C. (2017). Omega-3 fatty acids and inflammatory processes: from molecules to man. Biochemical Society Transactions, 45(5), 1105-1115.
</li>
<li>
Sarkar, F. H., &amp; Li, Y. (2003). The role of isoflavones in cancer chemoprevention. Frontiers in Bioscience, 8, s750-s764.
</li>
<li>
Zingg, J. M. (2007). Vitamin E: an overview of major research directions. Molecular aspects of medicine, 28(5-6), 400-422.
</li>
<li>
Boeing, H., Bechthold, A., Bub, A., Ellinger, S., Haller, D., Kroke, A., ... &amp; Watzl, B. (2012). Critical review: vegetables and fruit in the prevention of chronic diseases. European journal of nutrition, 51(6), 637-663.
</li>
<li>
Bresciani G, da Cruz IB, Gonz&#xE1;lez-Gallego J. Manganese superoxide dismutase and oxidative stress modulation. Adv Clin Chem. 2015;68:87-130.
</li>
<li>
National Institutes of Health. (2021). Manganese: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
</li>
</ol>

SOD2 gene: nutrition, lifestyle and hacks to improve function

An important gene in brain health, inflammation and energy

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The NQO1 (NAD(P)H dehydrogenase, quinone 1) gene encodes for an important enzyme involved in cellular defense against oxidative stress and is a crucial component of our body&apos;s detoxification system [1]. NQO1 is part of the larger family of enzymes that catalyze the reduction of various quinones using NAD(P)H as a co-substrate.

NQO1 isinvolved in the specific reduction of coenzyme Q10, a potent antioxidant [2]. The NQO1 enzyme is also involved in maintaining optimal levels of NAD+, a coenzyme integral to numerous cellular processes, including energy production [3].
Low levels of NQO1 enzyme activity have been linked to severe health conditions, including cancer and dementia, as the enzyme plays a vital role in protecting cells from oxidative damage caused by injury, inflammation, and certain disease states [1, 4].
Boosting NQO1 Gene Function:
<ol>
<li>
Diet and Lifestyle: Melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep, has been shown to boost the levels of NQO1 [5]. Foods rich in carnosic acid, like coffee and rosemary, and oleanolic acid, found in extra virgin olive oil, can increase NQO1 levels [6, 7].
</li>
<li>
Supplementation: Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is essential for the function of NQO1 [8]. N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a precursor of the antioxidant glutathione, can also support the function of the NQO1 enzyme [9].
</li>
</ol>References:
<ol>
<li>
Siegel D, Gustafson DL, Dehn DL, Han JY, Boonchoong P, Berliner LJ, Ross D. NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1: role as a superoxide scavenger. Mol Pharmacol. 2004 May;65(5):1238-47.
</li>
<li>
Ernster L, Dallner G. Biochemical, physiological and medical aspects of ubiquinone function. Biochim Biophys Acta. 1995 May 24;1271(1):195-204.
</li>
<li>
Verdin E. NAD&#x207A; in aging, metabolism, and neurodegeneration. Science. 2015 Dec 4;350(6265):1208-13.
</li>
<li>
Ross D, Siegel D. NQO1 in protection against oxidative stress. Curr Opin Toxicol. 2018 Oct;8:67-72.
</li>
<li>
Hardeland R. Melatonin, Noncoding RNAs, Messenger RNA Stability and Epigenetics&#x2014;Evidence, Hints, Gaps, and Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci. 2014 Oct; 15(10): 18221&#x2013;18252.
</li>
<li>
Satoh T, Kosaka K, Itoh K, et al. Carnosic acid, a catechol-type electrophilic compound, protects neurons both in vitro and in vivo through activation of the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway via S-alkylation of targeted cysteines on Keap1. J Neurochem. 2008 Feb;104(4):1116-31.
</li>
<li>
Li C, Yang L, Lin C, et al. Oleanolic acid exerts an osteoprotective effect in ovariectomy-induced osteoporotic rats and stimulates the osteoblastic differentiation of bone mesenchymal stem cells in vitro. Menopause. 2012 May;19(2):225-33.
</li>
<li>
Foster AC, Braidy N, Brew BJ, Grant RS. NAD+ Biosynthesis and Its Role in Neuroprotection and Neurodegeneration. Neural Regen Res. 2016 Apr; 11(4): 537&#x2013;538.
</li>
<li>
Samuni Y, Goldstein S, Dean OM, Berk M. The chemistry and biological activities of N-acetylcysteine. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2013 Aug;1830(8):4117-29.
</li>
</ol>

NQ01 gene: nutrition, lifestyle and hacks to improve function

Antioxidant genes help to balance inflammation and keep us healthy.

<div class="intercom-h2b-video"><iframe allowfullscreen frameborder="0" mozallowfullscreen src="https://www.loom.com/embed/f6591eceb8d64f14bbdf369b43242f95" webkitallowfullscreen></iframe></div>This video explains the critical role of the major antixodiant genes.

The Essential Role of  the Antioxidant Genes - CAT, SOD2, and NQO1

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