The mechanisms of the participation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the development of heart, pulmonary, the nervous system diseases are considered. ROS are formed in the wall of artery due to the functioning of cyclooxygenase, lipoxygenase, inducible NO synthase, cytochrome P450, tissue respiration and reactions involving iron ions.

Under the influence of ROS lipoproteins are oxidized. Subsequent congest of the “garbage” pathway of their utilization leads to the formation of foam cells and the growth of atherosclerotic plaques. The role of ROS in the origin of the myocardial hypertrophy induced by angiotensin II is discussed.

Oxidants lead to the formation of ROS and peroxidation of membrane lipids. Its products, especially aldehydes, resulting from inhalation of cigarette smoke activate transcription factors and gene expression of the inflammatory response. The participation of ROS in acetylation/deacetylation of histones and in the synthesis of proinflammatory cytokines and formation of insensitivity to glucocorticoids is discussed. The participation of ROS in the development of degenerative diseases of the nervous system and processes of senescence is considered.