[Significance of free radicals in the pathogenesis of rheumatic diseases and possibilities of decreasing their pathogenic effects].

The authors present the result of their work where they provide evidence that in inflammatory and degenerative diseases the break-down on superoxide in inadequate. This oxygen radicals and its metabolites play a significant role in the pathogenesis of these diseases. The authors revealed a severe defect in superoxide degeneration in particular in articular exudates of patients with active synovitis. Administration of the preparation Selzink-Plus of PRO.MED.CS Co. Prague which contains selenium, zinc, beta-cyrotene, vitamin C and E along with antirheumatic treatment improves according to the authors the breakdown of superoxide and its metabolites and improves thus the patient's prognosis. Long-term administration of the preparation seems to produce even better results.