The authors present the result of their work where they provide evidence that in inflammatory and degenerative diseases the break-down on superoxide in inadequate. This oxygen raadicals and its metabolites play a significant role in the pathogenesis of these diseases. The authors revealed a severe defect in superoxide dogeneration in particular in articular axsudates of pati- ents with active synovitis. Administration of the preparation Selzink-Plus of PRO.MED.CS Co. Prague which contains seleni- um, zinc, beta-cyrotene, vitamin C and E along with antirheumatic treatment improves according to the authors the breakdown of superoxide and its metabolites and improves thus the patient´s prognosis. Long-term administration of the preparation seeems to produce even better results

        Key words: Rheumatic diseases - Superoxide - Free radicals - Antioidans.