Pulmonary metabolism and its correction in radiotherapy of thoracic tumors

Aim. The study pulmonary metabolism by exhalation condensate of expired air (CEA) and ways of its correction in patients exposed to radiotherapy to the chest area. Materials and methods. 25 women aged 20 to 40 years with breast cancer stage T-II were divided into two groups: control group underwent conservative treatment without correction and the study group was given the extract of Ural licorice for 14 days. In CEA, lipid peroxidation enzymes and products of thiobarbituric acid were assayed. Biochemical examination of CEA was done by means of Cobas mira automatic analyzer. Results. Administration of Ural licorice promoted inactivation of lipid peroxidation and maintenance of most of:the biochemical parameters on the baseline level. This effect may be due to composition of the Ural licorice which contains antioxidants and stimulators of lung surfactant synthesis. Conclusion, Administration of Ural licorice extract seems promising for prevention of radiation complications in the lungs during radiotherapy to the chest area.