Mechanisms of inhibition of free-radical processes in mutagenesis and carcinogenesis.

Mechanisms of the defense system against genotoxic damage, with emphasis on free-radical processes, are presented. Components of the defense system, interrelationships between components, and the stages in defense are discussed. Examples of free-radical mechanisms of protective agents (mannitol, DMSO) and repair agents (thiols and antioxidants), and the kinetics of their reactions are reviewed. Future trends in the development of novel protective agents are invoked.