Free radicals are unstable atom groups in the body linked to tissue damage in a wide array of neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's dementia, and multiple sclerosis. Numerous studies of patients with multiple sclerosis have shown increased free radical activity, and/or deficiencies of important antioxidant enzymes compared with healthy controls. As one researcher has suggested, "not only do the necessary conditions exist for the formation of reactive oxygen species [in MS] but...these may play a significant pathogenic role in this disease."1

Two Polish studies found reduced activity of both superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, powerful antioxidant enzymes, in the red blood cells of patients with MS.2,3 The researchers concluded that red blood cells in individuals with multiple sclerosis are more vulnerable to oxidative stress than those of healthy controls. An examination of cerebrospinal fluid by Italian investigators found that glutathione reductase activity, which guards against against free radical production, was reduced by about one-half in individuals with MS.4 Moreover, direct examination of MS plaque has revealed increased free radical activity, along with decreased levels of important antioxidants such as glutathione and alpha-tocopheral.5

Different mechanisms have been proposed to explain how free radicals might specifically mediate the central nervous system damage in MS. Lower levels of antioxidants may promote increased activity of lipoxygenase, an enzyme which spurs the production of leukotrienes--thereby increasing the immuno-inflammatory processes in brain tissue.6 Others have suggested that excess free radicals trigger heightened T-cell activity via an arachidonic acid cascade, or that direct damage to myelin is caused by the free radicals themselves.7

The Oxidative Stress Analysis identifies markers of hydroxyl radical activity, urine lipid peroxides, reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase, revealing important information about the free radical milieu underlying CNS tissue damage in multiple sclerosis.

References
1 LeVine SM. The role of reactive oxygen species in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis. Med Hypotheses 1992;39(3):271-274.
2 Zagorski T, Dudek I, Berkan L, Mazurek M, Kedziora J, Chmielewski H. Superoxide dismutase (SOD-1) activity in erythrocytes of patients with multiple sclerosis [Polish]. Neurol Neurochir Pol 1991;25(6):725-730.
3 Dudek I, Zagorski T, Liskiewicz J, Kedziora J, Chmielewski H. Effect of gamma radiation on selected indicators of oxygen metabolism in erythrocytes of patients with multiple sclerosis [Polish]. Neurol Neurochir Pol 1992;26(1):34-39.
4 Calabrese V, Raggaele R, Cosentino E, Rizza V. Changes in cerebrospinal fluid levels of malondialdehyde and glutathione reductase activity in multiple sclerosis. Int J Clin Pharacol Res 1994;14(4):119-123.
5 Langemann H, Kabiersch A, Newcombe J. Measurement of low-molecular-weight antioxidants, uric acid, tyrosine and tryptophan in plagues and white matter from patients with multiple sclerosis. Eur Neurol 1992;32(50:248-252.
6 Hutter C. On the causes of multiple sclerosis. Med Hypotheses 1993;41(2):93-96.
7 Cooper Rl. Multiple sclerosis: an immune legacy? Med Hypotheses 1997;49(4):307-311.

Call to set up a nutritional consultation so that tests can be performed and a comprehensive strategy of lifestyle, dietary modification and nutrient supplementation can be implemented to aid you in reversing this disorder.

For an appointment, contact our office at: 800-956-7083 and visit our web site www.completehealthinstitute.com go to lab tests and click on appropriate test for information.

Dr. Rispoli, Ph.D., L Ac. has had a clinical practice for over 20 years. Her programs work because she is so thorough in testing and providing a nutritional approach. Remember that the body can heal itself if given the proper nutrients

The information herein is not intended as diagnosis, treatment or a cure. Should you have a medical condition please seek the advice of your medical doctor.