Toxicity and biochemical mechanisms of ozone

• Published in: Environmental research Vol. 42; no. 1; p. 36
• Main Authors: Mehlman, M A, Borek, C
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands 01.02.1987
• Subjects: Animals; Behavior, Animal - drug effects; Biomechanical Phenomena; Central Nervous System - drug effects; Drug Tolerance; Endocrine Glands - drug effects; Enzyme Inhibitors - pharmacology; Erythrocytes - drug effects; Genes - drug effects; Lung - drug effects; Lung - metabolism; Lung - physiology; Ozone - pharmacology; Ozone - toxicity; Protein Biosynthesis; Reproduction - drug effects; Respiratory System - drug effects
• ISSN: 0013-9351
• DOI: 10.1016/s0013-9351(87)80005-1

Ozone is a reactive environmental oxidant molecule whose deleterious effects are enhanced by interaction with other photochemical oxidants. While the pulmonary system is the primary target for ozone toxicity, at a morphological and biochemical level, extrapulmonary toxic effects are well documented. The consequences of exposure to ozone depend on its concentration and are influenced by genetic and host factors. Ozone damage is in part mediated via free radicals formed in the processes of direct peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids by ozone and oxidation of proteins, amines, and thiols. Antidoxidants such as Vitamin E which scavenge the chain-propagating free radicals and stop antioxidation serve as protectors in ozone-induced toxicity.