SOD makes the first line of defense against free radicals attacks
by catalyzing the dismutation of superoxide anion (O2
) into hydrogen
peroxide (H2O2) and molecular oxygen (O2). SOD level was
assayed on the 21st day in the different groups as shown in
Fig. 5a. A significant decrease (p < 0.001) in SOD activity was found
in joints of CIA rats as compare to control. SOD activity was significantly
increased (p < 0.001) in the group receiving 5 ppm of Cd as
compared to a CIA group whereas at 50 ppm of Cd, a significant
decreased (p < 0.001) in SOD activity was noted as compared to
CIA.