The role of oxidative stress markers in developing of acute respiratory distress syndrome

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is common and multi factorial, clinically described as an inflammatory lung disorder that is associated with major morbidity and high mortality in intensive care patients. Recently, investigators have revised the AECC criteria from 1994. To diagnose ARDS and discover its severity we presently use Berlin definition criteria. An important role in developing of ARDS may be through a disbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS), which have both oxidant and antioxidant compartments. The pathogenesis of ARDS is very complex, and unfortunately, the dynamic development of ARDS in an individual patient is difficult to recognise. ROS can initiate cellular tissue damage by modifying lipids, proteins and DNA, which can seriously compromise cell life ability or induce a large number of cellular responses through generation of secondary reactive species, leading, at last, to cell death by necrosis or apoptosis. Studies have shown that many patients with organ malfunction at admission to the intensive care units (ICU) show decreased antioxidative properties, worsening the harmful effects of lipid peroxidation. That is the reason why predicting development of ARDS has great value for intensive care specialists.