[Comparative characterization of oxidative stress in some hereditary diseases differing in predisposition of...

Two groups of hereditary diseases are considered. One group is characterized by chromosomal instability (Fanconi's anemia, ataxiatelenagioectasia, xeroderma pigmentosum). The other group includes diseases with marked genotypic changes (Down's disease, cystic fibrosis). All these diseases predispose to malignant neoplasms and premature ageing, which is due to different manifestations of oxidative stress. The paper gives in greatest detail the mechanism responsible for Fanconi's anemia which has been much studied by the authors. Chromosomal instability in this disease is associated with regeneration defect in DNA impaired by oxygen radicals.