[Oxidative stress in bronchial asthma]

Oxidative stress occurs when the antioxidative defence mechanism of the body are surpassed by the intra- and/or extracellular presence of reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS were involved in the etiopathogenesis of many disorders, but it is difficult to discern whether their role is decisive--as in the production of atherosclerosis--or only aggravating, as an intermediate link, this being the case in neoplasms. Today, the participation of ROS in the progression of some respiratory diseases, such as bronchial asthma, is considered essential. Thus, since the first description of asthma by Aretaeus of Cappadocia, a huge leap in the understanding of this disease was recorded, this condition being nowadays considered a chronic inflammatory disorders with the participation of oxidative stress. For ascertaining the share of oxidative stress in the determinism of this disease and the efficacy of antioxidants on its course further investigations are needed.