Relationship between inflammation and oxidative stress and its effect on multiple sclerosis

This paper highlights the relationship of inflammation and oxidative stress as damage mechanisms of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), considered an inflammatory and autoimmune disease.

The oxidative stress concept has been defined by an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants in favor of the oxidants. There is necessary to do physiological functions, like the respiration chain, but in certain conditions, the production of reactive species overpassed the antioxidant systems, which could cause tissue damage. On the other hand, it is well established that inflammation is a complex reaction in the vascularized connective tissue in response to diverse stimuli. However, an unregulated prolonged inflammatory process also can induce tissue damage.

Both inflammation and oxidative stress are interrelated since one could promote the other, leading to a toxic feedback system, which contributes to the inflammatory and demyelination process in MS.