The Multiple Sclerosis Modulatory Potential of Natural Multi-Targeting Antioxidants

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex neurodegenerative disease. Although its pathogenesis is rather vague in some aspects, it is well known to be an inflammatory process characterized by inflammatory cytokine release and oxidative burden, resulting in demyelination and reduced remyelination and axonal survival together with microglial activation. Antioxidant compounds are gaining interest towards the manipulation of MS, since they offer, in most of the cases, many benefits, due to their pleiotropical activity, that mainly derives from the oxidative stress decrease. This review analyzes research articles, of the last decade, which describe biological in vitro, in vivo and clinical evaluation of various categories of the most therapeutically applied natural antioxidant compounds, and some of their derivatives, with anti-MS activity. It also summarizes some of the main characteristics of MS and the role the reactive oxygen and nitrogen species may have in its progression, as well as their relation with the other mechanistic aspects of the disease, in order for the multi-targeting potential of those antioxidants to be defined and the source of origination of such activity explained. Antioxidant compounds with specific characteristics are expected to affect positively some aspects of the disease, and their potential may render them as effective candidates for neurological impairment reduction in combination with the MS treatment regimen. However, more studies are needed in order such antioxidants to be established as recommended treatment to MS patients.

Curcumin-Based Nanomedicines in the Treatment of Inflammatory and Immunomodulated Diseases: An Evidence-Based Comprehensive Review

“…This pathophysiological inflammation and OS result in demyelination, reduced remyelination, and decreased axonal survival, together with massive activation of microglial cells. As a substantial share of patients suffering from MS present deterioration of neurological functions slowly and considering the silent progression of the disease, the use of anti-inflammatory and antioxidants compounds is gaining interest towards its easy manipulation, many benefits, and pleiotropic activity with few cytotoxicity as adjuvants in MS treatment [ 126 , 127 ].…”

Epigallocatechin Gallate: A Multifaceted Molecule for Neurological Disorders and Neurotropic Viral Infections

“…EGCG administration in mouse models of MS led to a decrease in TGF-β activated kinase 1 (TAK1), which is involved in transforming growth factor β-1 proprotein (TGF-β), toll-like receptor, and B-cell receptor in response to inflammatory pathways (Figure II) . Intraperitoneal injection of EGCG (50 mg/kg/daily) in MS-mice was found to elevate the expression level of proteolipid protein (PLP) and oligodendrocyte transcription factor 1 (Olig1) in transcriptional levels compared to controls . Treating PBMCs isolated from MS patients with EGCG (25, 50, and 100 μM) for 18 h showed a significant decrease in RORC2 gene levels which acts as a transcription factor in the process of evolution of Th17 cells .…”

Unleashing nature's potential and limitations: Exploring molecular targeted pathways and safe alternatives for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (Review)

“…A number of chronic illnesses, including cardiovascular and neurological disorders, diabetes mellitus, cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, are considered to be accelerated by the persistent inflammation that results from the lack of resolution ( 158 , 159 ). Some mechanisms of ACNs are the following: i) ACNs cause a decrease in the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 by inhibiting the MAPK signaling cascade that includes p38, JNK and ERK ( 160 , 161 ); ii) ACNs prevent the activation of NF-κB, a transcription factor that controls numerous genes involved in the inflammatory response; this response involves the pro-inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α, IL-1 and IL-6( 162 ).…”