Features of the Course of the Pathological Process in Multiple Sclerosis as Confirmed by Changes in Biochemical Markers for Oxidative Stress

Objective. To analyze the features of the course of the pathological process in multiple sclerosis (MS) in terms of measures of oxidative stress and antioxidant defense (AOD). Materials and methods. A total of 220 patients with different clinical forms and stages of MS were studied; patients were divided into four clinical groups. Markers of the intensity of free radical oxidation of lipids and proteins were evaluated in terms of the levels of ketodienes, diene conjugates, malondialdehyde, and Schiff bases. The functioning of the endogenous AOD was assessed in terms of measures of the activity of the following markers: vitamin E and SH groups – total and nonprotein thiols – to assess the nonenzymatic compartment of the AOD. Markers of the enzymatic compartment were: superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase. Results and conclusions. Differences were found in measures of the intensity of oxidative stress in groups of patients with different clinical forms and stages of MS, not only verifying oxidative stress in MS from the point of view of evidence-based medicine, but also supporting the continuity of the pathological process in this disease.