The role of endogenous antiradical protective system in multiple sclerosis

Present research aimed at investigation of the role of several inflammatory cytokines and free toxic radicals in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) course and disability progression as well as factors that can assist to the early transition of Relapse Remitting MS (RRMS) in Secondary Progressive MS (SPMS). Totally 22 MS patients, 14 RRMS and 8 SMPS have been investigated. Age at disease onset, disease duration, number of relapses and the Kurtzke Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores were collected. Control comprised 10 healthy volunteers matched for age and sex. Brain was visualized by Magnetic Resonance Tomography (MRT- Siemens AVANTO-1.5-Tesla). Blood pro-inflammatory cytokines were detected by Enzyme Linked immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Blood free toxic radicals and antioxidant enzymes were detected by Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Method (EPR). Statistics was performed using the SPSS-11.0. Blood pro- and anti-inflammatory factors (γ-Interferon, IL-6, IL-10) were elevated in MS patients against control. Increased blood IL-6 and IL-10 found in RRMS as compared to SPMS, while γ-interferon was higher in SPMS (p<0.000). Blood EPR specters of Lypoperoxiradical (LOO-) and superoxide anion (O2-) were increased in SPMS patients compared to RRMS and control. Blood EPR specters of antioxidant enzymes: superoxidismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and Glutathione reductase (GR) found elevated in RRMS against SPMS and control. Positive correlation was found between γ-interferon and EDSS (r=+0.52 p<0.05) in SPMS and negative correlation established between SOD and CAT and EDSS (r=-0.84 and r=-0.60 respectively, p<0.05) in RRMS. Multiple logistic regression toward the brain MRI Injury volume proved significance of C reactive protein, γ-interferon and CAT. Present research suggested that the state of endogenous protection system and blood content of antioxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD) in MS patients could play a significant role for early progression of RRMS in SPMS.