Free Radical Processes in Aging, Neurodegenerative Diseases and Other Pathological States

Literature data on the role of oxidative stress in aging have been summarized. There are certain links between parameters of free radical processes (intensity of generation of reactive oxygen species in mitochondria, oxidative modification of mitochondrial DNA, activity of desaturases, involved into biosynthesis of polyunsaturated C-20 and C-22 fatty acids) with life span. The review highlights the role of oxidative stress as on of pathogenic factors of numerous diseases including various neurodegenerative disorders. Special attention is paid to oxidative modification of proteins as one of early and reliable markers of tissue injury in free radical pathology. Oxidative destruction of proteins plays a major role in etiology of such neurodegenerative diseases as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Oxidative stress and the stress related protein aggregation are considered as the pathogenic link in the development of familiar amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Oxidative modification of proteins is associated with the development of cataract. The age- and pathology-related increase in the content of oxidized proteins in tissues is assessed as an early and specific parameter of oxidative stress.