Oxidative Stress Markers in Multiple Sclerosis.

Area of Science:

• Neuroimmunology
• Oxidative Stress Research

Background:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) pathogenesis involves genetic, autoimmune, inflammatory, demyelinating, and neurodegenerative factors.
• Emerging evidence suggests a potential role for oxidative stress in MS development and progression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and summarize current data on oxidative stress markers in MS patients and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) models.
• To examine the association between candidate genes related to oxidative stress and MS risk.

Main Methods:

• Narrative review of published studies on oxidative stress markers in MS patients.
• Analysis of data from experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) models.
• Review of case-control association studies on oxidative stress-related genes and MS risk.

Main Results:

• Most studies indicate elevated oxidative stress markers and/or reduced antioxidant substances in MS.
• Malondialdehyde levels in cerebrospinal fluid and serum/plasma appear to be reliable indicators.
• Some studies suggest associations between candidate genes and MS risk.

Conclusions:

• Oxidative stress is likely implicated in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis.
• Further large-scale, multicenter, prospective studies with long-term follow-up are needed to confirm these findings and explore therapeutic implications.