Oxidative Stress, Serum Mineral and Trace Element Levels in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis with or without Restless Legs Syndrome

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a central nervous system disease characterized by inflammation, axonal demyelination and multifocal plaques. Sleep problems due to restless legs syndrome (RLS) are frequently encountered in MS patients. Changes in oxidative stress level and liver enzyme activity and deterioration of trace element homeostasis are observed in MS and RLS patients. This study was conducted to determine serum oxidative stress parameters and trace element levels in MS patients with and without RLS. Thirty healthy individuals (control), 30 MS patients without RLS (MS group) and 30 MS patients with RLS (MS+RLS group) were included in the study. Serum oxidative stress parameters (total antioxidant and oxidant capacities, myeloperoxidase and catalase activities), some liver enzymes (malate dehydrogenase and isocitrate dehydrogenase) activities, blood trace element (copper, zinc and iron) and mineral (calcium, chlorine, magnesium, sodium, potassium) levels were measured. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of oxidative stress parameters and liver enzymes. Serum chlorine, potassium and sodium levels were higher in the MS+RLS group compared to the controls (p<0.001, p<0.01, p<0.001, respectively), and the zinc level was lower than the control group (p<0.05). Sodium and chlorine levels were higher in the MS+RLS group than in the MS group (p<0.01, p<0.05, respectively). Based on these results, varying trace element levels may have value for early prediction of RLS in MS. In studies with larger sample sizes, changing element and liver enzyme activities in the context of oxidative stress may provide clearer information about the diagnosis of RLS.