Protection factors against free radical-induced ceroidogenesis

The most important products of the combustion process are SO2, NOx, CO2 and the heavy metals. When these substances come into contact with the biotic components of the ecosystems they produce an oxidative damage by means of a free radical mechanism. One of the significant natural sources of these oxides and metals are the volcanic emissions that contribute, either locally or more diffusely, to enrich the atmosphere with these substances. The area of Campi Flegrei (Naples, Italy) is an experimental model fit for studying the contemporary effect of the aforesaid oxidative agents, because it is characterized by a continuous fumarolic activity, particularly in the area of the widest crater (Solfatara). We have made so two experiments utilizing rats and earthworms (Octolasium complanatum) to evaluate the following aspects in phylogenetically very different organisms: 1. the combined effect of the atmospheric pollutants, 2. the effect of the only heavy metals (Cu, Ni, Mn), 3. the protection action played by reduced glutathione in rats. The reduced glutathione being either a substrate of the glutathione proxidase or an oxyradicals scavenger, is one of the main protection agents against the above stress. Because many papers suggest that the mentioned atmospheric pollutants damage both animal and vegetable organisms by their oxidative properties, the reduced glutathione seems to be able to counteract efficaciously the damaging activity studied in terms of age pigments production.