[New approaches to antioxidant therapy in multiple sclerosis]

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Immunology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) is a chronic autoimmune disease.
• Current treatments for RRMS focus on managing symptoms and reducing disease activity.
• Antioxidant and neuroprotective strategies are being explored for their potential therapeutic benefits in neurodegenerative conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of antioxidant therapy in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.
• To compare the effects of alpha-lipoic acid monotherapy versus a comprehensive antioxidant and neuroprotective complex.

Main Methods:

• Two groups of RRMS patients were studied: Group 1 (18 patients) received alpha-lipoic acid, and Group 2 (14 patients) received a complex of antioxidants and neuroprotectors.
• Treatment was administered for 1 month, twice a year.
• Relapse frequency, corticosteroid requirements, and lipid peroxide product levels were assessed.

Main Results:

• Antioxidant therapy led to a significant 2-3 fold reduction in relapse frequency in RRMS patients.
• The complex antioxidant and neuroprotective treatment (Group 2) demonstrated the most pronounced reduction in relapses.
• A significant decrease in the need for corticosteroid courses and reduced levels of lipid peroxide products were observed post-therapy.

Conclusions:

• Multicomponent antioxidant and neuroprotective therapy represents a promising pathogenic treatment approach for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.
• This therapeutic strategy may help mitigate disease activity and reduce the burden of corticosteroid treatment in RRMS.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the long-term effects and optimal application of these therapies in MS management.