[The oxidative modification of blood plasma proteins in patients in critical states]

Current concepts on the formation and biological activity of activated oxygen forms (AOF) in humans are discussed. The main AOF types are produced as a result of consecutive single-electron recovery of molecular oxygen (O2) and are more reactive than O2. AOF are initially normal components of cellular metabolism with certain biological functions. Their reactive aggressiveness is regulated by a potent antioxidant system which is present in any live organism. In disease this balance is distorted towards uncontrolled AOF generation and formation of oxidative stress, when AOF impair all biological structures, including proteins. Unregulated modification of proteins by AOF results in loss of protein biological activities (enzymatic, receptor, transporting function, etc.). Moreover, oxidative modification of proteins generates new antigens and provokes immune response. The authors present experimental data which confirm significant modification of plasma proteins in critical patients. The role of the detrimental effect of AOF on proteins in the formation of critical states deserves special studies.