Expression and enzyme activity of MnSOD and catalase in peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from multiple sclerosis patients

It is evident that oxidative stress plays a crucial role in etiology of multiple sclerosis (MS). Dysregulation of antioxidant enzymes have been implicated in demylination and neuronal loss in MS. The aim of this study was to evaluate mRNA expression and activity of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), and catalase in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and healthy controls.

We recruited 20 RRMS patients and 20 age-and sex-matched healthy subjects. PBMCs were isolated, RNA was extracted and real time-PCR was used to evaluate mRNA expression of MnSOD and catalase. Enzyme activity of MnSOD and catalase were measured using colorimetric assays.

We found a significant increase in mRNA expression and activity of catalase in PBMCs from patients compared with controls, which was accompanied by reduced activity and expression of MnSOD in MS patients.

It appears that impaired antioxidant enzymes in term of high activity of catalase and decreased activity of MnSOD are involved in MS pathogenesis, however further studies are needed to establish this concept.