ABSTRACT
During the last several decades, however, the field has undergone an explosive growth. Radicals are highly reactive species and were considered of minor significance in biological systems. However, the oxygen metabolism was found to lead to reactive oxygen species. Evidence for the formation of oxygen-derived radicals in many normal biological as well as pathological processes has been accumulating. At present there is evidence for radical involvement in over 100 diseases [3,4]. This realization can be compared to the discovery of bacteria and viruses as causative agents in human diseases. Yet the subject of radicals and reactive oxygen metabolites (ROMs) is barely touched upon in the curriculum of medical schools. We no longer have to concern ourselves only with outside agents (bacteria, viruses, pollution) that affect our health, but also with damage caused by agents of normal oxygen metabolism. Research in the radical area involves many specialists in different areas of science. The number of journals publishing their results has grown, including journals in chemistry, biochemistry, nutrition, pathology, physiology, pharmacology, toxicology, medicine, environmental sciences, and the Journal of Free Radicals in Biology and Medicine.
