Title:Advances in Antioxidative Therapy of Multiple Sclerosis
VOLUME: 20 ISSUE: 37
Author(s):E. Miller and B. Wachowicz
Keywords:Multiple sclerosis, oxidative stress, antioxidants, treatment, neurodegeneration, inflammation.
Abstract:Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, multifactorial disease of the central nervous system (CNS), typified by repetitive
relapses and/or progression. The conventional treatment options in MS are limited. However, recently several new
drugs have been introduced. Oxidative stress is a crucial factor in MS pathogenesis by ameliorating leukocyte migration,
contributing to oligodendrocyte damage and axonal injury. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species
(RNS) are created in CNS of MS patients mainly by activated macrophages and microglia structures responsible for demyelinisation
and axons disruption. Activated microglia secretes different inflammatory and oxidative stress mediators
such as cytokines (TNF and IL- 1b and IL- 6) and chemokines (macrophage inflammatory protein MIP- 1a, monocyte
chemoattractant protein, MCP- 1 and interferon (IFN) inducible protein IP- 10). The inflammatory state is promoted by
that. MS in chronic stages is dominated by neurogenerative processes involving axon and neuron loss probably resulting
from oxidative stress and excitotoxicity. Therefore, consideration of the treatment engaging antioxidants and diet supplementation
is needed. The present review describes the antioxidative system in CNS and possible antioxidative therapies in
MS. Although some exogenous compounds have been proposed as such approach to MS treatment, there is a strong need
for further research in this field. Such investigation is required for better understanding of the potential of protective effects
of antioxidants in cellular immunology of MS neurodegeneration. Not only would that increase our knowledge about
the disease mechanisms but also could help to establish new goals for innovative treatment methods and provide real
therapeutic benefits in MS.
