Evaluation of serum arsenic and its effects on antioxidant alterations in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients

Background: Environmental factors that are involved in the development of autoimmune diseases include bacteria, viruses, and xenobiotics such as chemicals, drugs, and metals. Regarding the metals, a number of studies have demonstrated that oxidative stress is one of the well-directed pathways of arsenic-induced tissue damages. This study was designed to explore the serum concentrations of arsenic and its correlation with markers associated with oxidative stress in relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) patients.

Methods: This case-controlled study comprised 50 patients with RRMS and 50 healthy subjects. Serum arsenic levels, total antioxidant potential, malondialdehyde (MDA), and lactate levels were measured.

Results: The arsenic value, MDA, and lactate levels were elevated meaningfully while FRAP level significantly was decreased in RRMS patients with respect to healthy subjects (P <0.05). Furthermore, arsenic serum levels were positively correlated with serum concentrations of MDA and lactate. In contrast, serum levels were negatively correlated to FRAP values in RRMS patients.

Conclusion: Taken together, the association between arsenic level and oxidative stress parameters supports the hypothesis that high serum arsenic levels may play a critical role in the pathogenesis of MS progression.