CHANGES IN CEREBROSPINAL-FLUID LEVELS OF MALONDIALDEHYDE AND GLUTATHIONE-REDUCTASE ACTIVITY IN MULTIPLE-SCLEROSIS

The chemical composition of human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is conside red to reflect brain metabolism. In this study we measured malondialde hyde (MDA) levels and the activity of enzymes involved in antioxidativ e processes, glutathione reductase and glutathione peroxidase, in huma n cerebrospinal fluid of multiple-sclerosis (MS) patients and normal h ealthy volunteers. Our results indicated that the cerebrospinal fluid in MS showed significantly higher endogenous levels of MDA than the co ntrol, as well as a much greater resistance to in-vitro stimulation te st. In addition, we found the activity of GSH reductase significantly increased, about twice the control values, whereas the activity of glu tathione peroxidase was markedly decreased as compared to control valu es. Our findings suggest that in MS the activity of antioxidant enzyme s is modified, and indicates the conceivable possibility of a pathogen ic role of oxidative stress in the determinism of the disease.