Peripheral oxidative stress in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis

To evaluate levels of oxidative stress in blood samples in patients with relapsing–remitting MS (RR-MS). Peripheral blood samples were collected from 24 RR-MS patients and 15 healthy controls. Levels of the following were measured: carbonylated proteins, 8-hydroxy-2′deoxyguanosine (8OHdG), total glutathione, reduced glutathione (GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG), GSH/GSSG ratio, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GRd), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), myeloperoxidase (MPO), antioxidant gap, total antioxidant capacity (PAO), global oxidative stress (GOS), serum vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) and serum inter-cellular adhesion molecule 1 (sICAM-1). Values for carbonylated proteins, 8OHdG, total glutathione, GSH, GSH/GSSG ratio, SOD, GRd and GOS were significantly higher in RR-MS patients than in healthy controls. By contrast, PAO, GSSG, GPx and GST were lower in RR-MS patients. Oxidative stress plays a major role in MS, and is observed prior to relapse. ► Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) show global oxidative stress. ► Patients with MS preset an increase in GSH system. ► Patients with MS have changes in antioxidant enzyme activities.