[Effect of oxygen free radicals on collagen in inflammation]

Oxygen derived free radicals are able to degrade collagen fibrils and to participate with the collagenases to collagen degradation in the inflammatory phenomena. This effect was experimentally demonstrated in vitro by the use of chemical or physical systems of oxygen free radicals production. In addition certain free radicals increase the cross-linking of collagen. The relationship between collagen degradation in inflamed areas and the subsequent fibrosis, despite its medical interest, is not yet explained.