[Parameters of antioxidant protection in multiple sclerosis]

A study of parameters of oxidant and antioxidant systems has been carried out in 79 patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and in 75 mentally and physically healthy subjects. Parameters of intensification of lipids peroxidation and conditions of enzymatic and non-enzymatic parts of antioxidant system (AOS) have been analyzed in different clinical forms and stages of MS. The analysis of peripheral blood parameters in patients with MS has showed the substantial increase of pro-oxidant processes (malondialdehyde level). This oxidant damage indicates the continuity of pathological demyelination process. The failure of AOS was found in patients with MS. The glutathione level was lower in a phase of remission and at an exacerbation both in relapsing-remitting (RRMS) as well as secondary progressive MS. It was accompanied by the very low erythrocyte activity of glutathione reductase, the only enzyme which provided restoration of oxidized glutathione. The compensatory activation of serum catalase was observed only in exacerbation of RRMS. Data obtained confirm the importance of oxidative stress in the development of pathological process in MS.