Nonenzymatic antioxidants of blood in multiple sclerosis

Free radical action has been suggested as a causal factor in multiple scler osis. We investigated the plasma level of lipid peroxides expressed in term s of malone dialdehyde and changes in blood nonenzymatic antioxidants (glut athione, alpha-tocopherol, retinol, plasma sulfhydryl groups, and uric acid ) in multiple sclerosis patients with exacerbation or in remission, includi ng a group treated with beta-interferon. The malone dialdehyde level was in creased by 38% (n.s.) during exacerbations. The blood concentration of oxid ized glutathione was likewise elevated (P < 0.05), while the ratio of plasm a alpha-tocopherol to cholesterol plus triglyceride was decreased (P < 0.00 1). These changes suggest increased free radical production and consumption of the scavenger molecules during the active phase of the disease. Blood r educed glutathione level was increased (P < 0.01) during exacerbation and r emission as well. The rise in this thiol is likely to be a compensatory mec hanism defending the cells from further oxidant injuries. beta-Interferon i ncreased plasma alpha-tocopherol levels (P < 0.001) but not the lipid corre cted alpha-tocopherol value. Other parameters were not influenced by the dr ug.