Natalizumab and reduction of carbonylated proteins in patients with multiple sclerosis

Introduction. The sensitivity of the central nervous system to oxidative damage and its relationship with inflammatory response are well known. Recent studies have shown that oxidative stress is present in the establishment and development of multiple sclerosis (MS). One of the most recent treatments in this process is natalizumab, a monoclonal antibody. Aim. To evaluate whether the therapeutic effect of natalizumab is associated with the severity of the disease and the oxidative damage. Patients and methods. Researchers recruited twenty patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) undergoing therapy with natalizumab and distributed, according to the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), in two groups: RRMS-1 (EDSS < 5) and RRMS-2 (EDSS ≥ 5). Blood samples were taken for an oxidative profile study. Results. Data showed a decrease in carbonylated proteins following treatment with natalizumab. The reduction in oxidative damage rated as protein oxidation is significant between the previous (baseline) situation of the patient and after 14 months' treatment. The most significant decrease coincided with the patients with the highest levels of severity in the process. Although it has not been possible to establish a correlation, the statistical significance is higher for patients in the RRMS-2 group treated with natalizumab. The antioxidant systems, on the other hand, did not display any statistically significant changes. Conclusions. Natalizumab brings about a reduction in carbonylated protein levels.