Abstract

SIERRA VARGAS, MARTHA PATRICIA et al. PARTICIPACIÓN DE LAS ESPECIES REACTIVAS DEL OXÍGENO EN LAS ENFERMEDADES PULMONARES. Rev. Inst. Nal. Enf. Resp. Mex. [online]. 2004, vol.17, n.2, pp.135-148. ISSN 0187-7585.

Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) are very reactive molecules (O₂^•-, HO^•, NO^• ) since they have a single and unpaired electron in the last orbital (free radical) which confers them physical instability. Free radical precursors such as H₂O₂ , HONO₂- are considered ROS. These species are important in the physiological processes. When ROS production exceeds the inactivation mechanisms, oxidative stress takes place. This stress is characterized by molecular and cellular damage which predisposes to or modifies chronic-degenerative diseases. Among pulmonary diseases in which ROS participation has been proved are ARDS, COPD and asthma. The aim of this paper was to analyze the mechanisms of oxidative stress that lead to those illnesses.

Keywords : Free radicals; reactive oxygen; species; oxidative stress; lung; diseases; oxidative injuries.