Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 19, 2026
Imaging Approaches to Assessments of Toxicological Oxidative Stress Using Genetically-encoded Fluorogenic Sensors
Published on: February 7, 2018
The Diet-Multiple Sclerosis Connection: Oxidative Stress and Emerging Mechanisms
Candida Bucciero1, Alessandra Croce1, Giuliano Castellano1
1Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80131, Naples, Italy.
Abstract:
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune neuroinflammatory disease resulting in myelin degeneration and progressive disability. Oxidative stress plays a crucial role in MS pathogenesis and progression. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a master regulator of the antioxidant mechanisms and its upregulation is associated with beneficial effects in MS. Among the environmental factors influencing MS onset and progression, diet represents a promising non-pharmacological strategy to modulate Nrf2, potentially improving MS outcomes. Indeed, several natural compounds present in Mediterranean, ketogenic and Paleolithic diets can enhance Nrf2 activity, and exert beneficial effects in preclinical models of MS. In this review, we summarize the key role of oxidative stress in MS and highlight how dietary regimens and Nrf2-modulating natural compounds might have therapeutic potential for MS patients. Additionally, we discuss emerging and still poorly explored mechanisms beyond classical Nrf2 activation, including epigenetic regulation and the stability of DNA/RNA secondary structures known as G-quadruplexes, which are involved in gene expression regulation and may represent novel nutrition-based therapeutic targets. However, while Nrf2 modulation by diet is supported by preclinical and limited clinical evidence, targeting G-quadruplexes as a strategy to counteract oxidative stress in MS remains largely speculative and requires further investigation. Notably, epigenetic mechanisms and G-quadruplexes may represent innovative targets of Nrf2-boosting dietary natural compounds for the development of supplemental therapeutic strategies for MS.
Insights
Dietary interventions targeting oxidative stress show promise for multiple sclerosis (MS) management. Natural compounds in certain diets can enhance Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activity, potentially improving MS outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology and Nutritional Neuroscience
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune neuroinflammatory disease characterized by myelin damage and progressive disability.
- Oxidative stress is a key factor in MS pathogenesis and disease progression.
- Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a critical regulator of antioxidant responses, and its activation shows therapeutic benefits in MS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of oxidative stress in MS.
- To explore the potential of dietary strategies and Nrf2-modulating natural compounds as non-pharmacological treatments for MS.
- To discuss novel mechanisms like epigenetic regulation and G-quadruplexes in MS and their potential nutritional targeting.
Main Methods:
- Literature review summarizing existing research on oxidative stress, Nrf2, diet, and MS.
- Analysis of preclinical and clinical evidence for dietary interventions and natural compounds in MS.
- Discussion of emerging mechanisms including epigenetics and G-quadruplexes in relation to Nrf2 activation.
Main Results:
- Dietary regimens and natural compounds found in Mediterranean, ketogenic, and Paleolithic diets can enhance Nrf2 activity.
- These dietary approaches have demonstrated beneficial effects in preclinical MS models.
- Emerging evidence suggests epigenetic modifications and G-quadruplexes may be influenced by Nrf2-boosting compounds, offering new therapeutic avenues.
Conclusions:
- Dietary modulation of Nrf2 presents a promising therapeutic strategy for MS patients, supported by preclinical and some clinical data.
- Epigenetic mechanisms and G-quadruplexes represent innovative, albeit less explored, targets for nutritional interventions in MS.
- Further research is needed to validate the therapeutic potential of targeting G-quadruplexes and to fully elucidate the role of epigenetic modifications in Nrf2-mediated MS treatment.
