Journal
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
Volume 7, Issue 5, Pages 313-319Publisher
ARNOLD, HODDER HEADLINE PLC
DOI: 10.1177/135245850100700507
Keywords
autoimmunity; encephalomyelitis; demyelinating diseases; multiple sclerosis; uric acid; inosine; peroxynitrite
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Peroxynitrite has been implicated in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS) and its animal model experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE). Previously, we have shown that administration of uric acid (UA), a peroxynitrite scavenger, is therapeutic in EAE We have also shown that MS patients have lower levels of serum uric acid than healthy individuals or those with other neurological diseases. The aim of this investigation was therefore to raise serum UA levels in MS patients. Oral administration of UA foiled to increase low serum UA levels, evidently due to its degradation by gastrointestinal bacteria. However, serum UA could be raised and maintained at elevated levels for a year and more without reported side-effects by oral administration of its precursor inosine. Three of 11 patients given inosine showed some evidence of clinical improvement and there was no sign of disease progression in the remaining patients. Gadolinium-enhanced lesions, observed in two patients before receiving inosine, could not be detected after either 10 or 15 months inosine treatment. These data provide evidence that serum UA levels can be readily manipulated and that the benefit of higher levels to individuals with MS should be studied further in greater number of patients.
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