[The pathogenesis of a broncho-obstructive syndrome in patients with chronic bronchitis]

Lipid peroxidation (LPO) and antioxidant system (AOS) were investigated in 40 patients with chronic obstructive bronchitis (COB) in relation to clinical features of the disease. Bronchial tree inflammation was associated with reduced AOS function and intensification of LPO which reached a new high level. LPO activity, tocopherol concentration in red cell membranes and the severity of respiratory obstructive syndrome were correlated. It is suggested that high LPO activity may underlie the disease chronicity and development of progressive irreversible bronchial obstruction. Antioxidant drugs are believed necessary for COB patients not only in acute, but also in regression and remission phases of the disease.