REVIEW: Reactive Oxygen Species as Essential Components of Ambient Air

N. Goldstein

Goldstein & Lewin Technology GmbH, Medico-Biological Department, Kastanienweg 23, 14532 Stahnsdorf, Germany; fax: +49 30 28390251; E-mail: proinhal@mail.ru

Received June 5, 2001; Revision received July 12, 2001

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In this review evidence for the presence of the anion radical O₂^.- in atmospheric air is considered, and the biological activity of superoxide and negative air ions is compared. Various aspects of the biological effect of superoxide and other reactive oxygen species contained in air at the cell, tissue, and organism levels are discussed. The results of the therapeutic use of exogenous gaseous superoxide and low doses of H₂O₂ for the treatment of bronchial asthma, pain, and Parkinson's disease are reported. A hypothesis on the mechanism of physiological action of exogenous reactive oxygen species is discussed.

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KEY WORDS: reactive oxygen species, superoxide, environment, negative air ions, adaptation, hypothalamic-pituitary complex

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