Fwd: [MS_Community] Researchers Examine Effect Of Antioxidants For Treating M...

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In a message dated 03/18/2004 8:24:13 AM Eastern Standard Time, adlerjayne@... writes:

Researchers Examine Effect Of Antioxidants For Treating MS (3/17/04)In a recent investigation, researchers reviewed results from past clinical studies to determine whether antioxidants serve to alleviate damage caused from oxidative stress in the development of MS. The analysis suggested that more information still is needed before a determination can be made as to their effect.Reactive oxygen species, or ROS, which occur prior to oxidative stress, have been shown to aid in the processes of demyelination and axonal damage in MS, according to the report. The damage caused by ROS may impair certain cellular components, including the lipids, proteins and nucleic acids present in RNA and DNA, leading to cell death.The researchers theorized that antioxidant therapy could block the negative effects brought on by ROS in patients with MS by helping to prevent the spread of tissue damage as well as improve both survival and neurological outcome.After reviewing several studies related to dietary intake of antioxidants and disease progression, the results indicated that not enough information was available on the effect of such treatments on MS patients.Thus, the authors concluded that well-designed, long-term studies must first be conducted before a decision can be made as to the effectiveness of antioxidant treatment in conjunction with other conventional therapies in MS.The findings appear in the March edition of Journal of Neurology. A support group for people with ms & their friends & relations. We try & keep informed of developments in ms research & stay abreast of legislative issues that may effect us.