Free radicals serum protein scavenger

A major contribution of the free-radical scavenging activity in blood plasma is attributable to the macro-molecular proteins (Wayner et al., 1985) of which albumin is a primary component and trapping agertt (Holt et al., 1984). Serum sulphydryl levels, primarily albumin-related, are decreased in subjects with rheumatoid complicated coalworkers pneumoconiosis, indicative of exacerbated inflammatory R.OM production (Thomas and Evans, 1975). Experimental asbestos inhalation in rats leads to an adaptive but evidendy insufficient response by an increase in endogenous antioxidant enzymes (Janssen etal., 1990). Protection of the vascular endothelium against iron-mediated ROM generation and injury is afforded by the iron sequestiant protein ferritin (Balia et al., 1992). 

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