An electron paramagnetic resonance study of arthritic joints

摘要

Much interest has recently been shown in the detection of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in view of the evidence implicating a primary or secondary role for them in the initiation or progression of many human diseases, the majority of which are characterized by an inflammatory reaction [1-3]. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and superoxide anion (O_2~-), are produced by diverse cell types and induce free radical-mediated cellular and tissue damage. Redox active transition metal complexes can readily promote the generation of the extremely reactive hydroxyl radical (-OH) from hydrogen peroxide and superoxide [4, 5]. Within the inflamed rheumatoid joint, reactive oxygen species oxidatively modify IgG [6], inactivate alpha-1-proteinase inhibitor [7], peroxidize polyunsaturated lipids [6] and depolymer-ize hyaluronate [8].