Background
Oxidative stress (OS) contributes to several mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS).
Aim
To assess the role of OS biomarkers in pathogenesis of MS and the effect of interferon-β (IFN-β) on OS in MS.
Patients and methods
A total of 40 patients diagnosed as having relapsing-remitting MS with age ranged from 20 to 40 years participated in the study. Of them, 20 patients were on IFN-β for at least 6 months, and 20 patients were not receiving any disease-modifying therapy. Another 20 apparently healthy participants, age matched with the patients, were considered as a control group. Serum levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) were evaluated in both patients and control groups.
Results
The serum levels of NO and MDA were significantly higher in patients with relapsing-remitting MS than control group, and in those not taking disease-modifying therapy than patients on IFN-β. Serum levels of both MDA and NO were correlated with degree of disability assessed by expanded disability status scale.
Conclusion
NO and MDA are reliable markers of OS and could be used as markers of disease progression and treatment response in patients with MS. IFN-β has a strong effect on OS and it may exhibit its effect in the management of MS by acting as antioxidant in addition to its anti-inflammatory effect.