ACTA FAC. MED. NAISS. 2005; 22 (2):91-95

  Review article

   THE UTILITY OF OXIDATIVE STRESS IN CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE
 

Snežana Đorđević

Clinical Center, Niš
Clinic for Dung Diseases and Tuberculosis, Knez Selo

    SUMMARY
    Reactive radical species are formed as a result of many physiological and pathological processes. They are highly reactive and the aerobic organisms, which are constanly attacked by the damaging compound in the air, actuate the defence mechanisms, which exert their action primarly against oxidant substances. Oxidative stress, which can be defined as an increased production of oxidants and/or reduction of antioxidant capacities, plays an important role in chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases. Oxidants are contained in cigarette smoke and are produced by inflammatory cells. They may react with proteins, lipids and nucleic acids, which can lead to cell dysfunction or death. Oxidative stress also promotes inflammation and contributes to the proteinase-antiproteinase imbalance. In the patients with the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), it is possible to establish oxidative stress presence.
  

 Key words: free radicals, oxidative stress, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, antioxidants