GeriZyme-EQyne™ is a non steroidal natural enzyme supplement formulated for horses with degenerative joint disease. GeriZyme EQyne contains Catalase, L-Glutathione and nutritional cofactors which can produce water and oxygen from hydrogen peroxide. Although NSAID's (non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are the usual regimen of treatment in many degenerative joint conditions, their long term use can produce marginal deficiencies by depleting cellular trace element concentrations. In this respect, it has been reported that during adjuvant arthritis in the rat, the amounts of cytochrome P-450 and also NADPH-cytochrome reductase, are significantly reduced. Any factor which decreases the rate of capacity (activity) of the free radical scavenging enzyme system leads to decreased (FRESA) free radical scavenging enzyme activity. The result of such deficiencies is an increased risk to develop a free radical induced or mediated disease such as joint degeneration.
The nutritional cofactors required to produce the enzymes which are known to reduce the free radical levels must be provided in the diet or through nutritional supplementaion. Catalase, (Aspergillus niger, var.), is an enzyme that converts hydrogen peroxide into water. Zinc, copper and manganese are required for its activity. Catalase is highly specific for the metabolism of hydrogen peroxide. However, it will not metabolize cellular lipid peroxides which are formed by free radicals. This is resolved with Glutathione Peroxidase (GSH-PX). Glutathione Peroxidase; an enzyme that also converts hydrogen peroxide to water. It can be viewed as the sweeper enzyme that metabolizes any hydrogen peroxide missed by Catalase. Even more importantly, Glutathione Peroxidase allows the repair of cell membranes back to their original status following free radical damage. Selenium is essential for the activity of Glutathione Peroxidase and Vitamin E for converting peroxy fatty acid free radicals (PUFAO2) to non-toxic hydoxy fatty acid alcohols. Animals that are selenium deficient cannot synthesize GSH-PX and therefore lack the full protective activity of this crucial enzyme.
The body utilizes the enzyme Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) to rapidly convert the toxid superoxide ion to hydrogen peroxide which is less toxic to cells. SOD is an enzyme present throughout the cell and requires zinc and copper for activity. These two minerals are required for activity in cytoplasm (the interior of the prokaryotic cell which is a watery fluid rich in dissolved salts, nutrients, enzymes and other molecules). Manganese is required for its activity in mitochondria (a small, membrane bound cellular structure responsible for converting nutrients into the energy-yeilding compound adenosine triphosphate (ATP).
GeriZyme-EQyne™ also provides OptiZinc®, a unique patented 1:1 complex of Zinc Methionine. Unlike inorganic zinc which is poorly absorbed, OptiZinc prevents free radical formation by protecting biomolecules from oxidation and limiting their production. Methionine is a sulfur containing amino acid that helps protect tissues against free radical attack.