[Role of free radical oxidative reactions in the pathogenesis of silicosis].

Development of silicosis was accompanied by phase alterations in lipid peroxidation, manifested as a distinct increase at the early steps of the hydroperoxides content in lungs with their subsequent decrease below the normal level. The antioxidative activity of lipids, contrary to hydroperoxide content, was decreased at early steps and then it was increased 3.5-fold above the normal level. An interrelationship between the antioxidative activity and composition of phospholipids was found; content of phosphatidylcholine and sphingomyelin was markedly increased at early steps. The correlation observed between lipid peroxidation, composition of phospholipids and the activity of the lipid-dependent enzymes suggest an importance of impairments in lipid peroxidation for pathogenesis of silicosis.