[Role of oxygen free radicals in the pathogenesis of lung diseases]

The authors have tried to compose the characteristics of the free radicals and their role in the pathogenesis od various diseases. They show up both the ways the free radicals appear and the biochemical compounds negating their toxic effects. They stress the meaning of the dynamic equilibrium between them, and asses its value in the lung cancer pathogenesis. They also quote the examples of the medicines, which work towards neutralizing the free radicals.