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Reactive oxygen species (ROS) contain one or more unpaired electrons and are formed as intermediates in a variety of normal biochemical reactions. However, when generated in excess amounts or not appropriately controlled, ROS initiate extensive cellular damage and tissue injury. ROS have been implicated in the progression of cancer, cardiovascular disease and neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory disorders, such as multiple sclerosis (MS). In the last decade there has been a major interest in the involvement of ROS in MS pathogenesis and evidence is emerging that free radicals play a key role in various processes underlying MS pathology. To counteract ROS-mediated damage, the central nervous system is equipped with an intrinsic defense mechanism consisting of endogenous antioxidant enzymes. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview on the (sub)cellular origin of ROS during neuroinflammation as well as the detrimental effects of ROS in processing underlying MS lesion development and persistence. In addition, we will discuss clinical and experimental studies highlighting the therapeutic potential of antioxidant protection in the pathogenesis of MS.

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Sphingolipids are a class of biologically active lipids that have a role in multiple biological processes including inflammation. Sphingolipids exert their functions by direct signaling or through signaling by their specific receptors. Phosphorylated FTY720 (FTY720P) is a sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) analogue that is currently in trial for treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS), which targets all S1P receptors but S1P(2). To date, however, it remains unknown whether FTY720P may exert direct anti-inflammatory effects within the central nervous system (CNS), because data concerning S1P receptor expression and regulation under pathological conditions in the human brain are lacking. To investigate potential regulation of S1P receptors in the human brain during MS, we performed immunohistochemical analysis of S1P receptor 1 and 3 expression in well-characterized MS lesions. A strong increase in S1P receptor 1 and 3 expression on reactive astrocytes was detected in active and chronic inactive MS lesions. In addition, we treated primary cultures of human astrocytes with the proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha to identify the regulation of S1P(1/3) on astrocytes under pathological conditions. Importantly, we demonstrate that FTY720P exerts an anti-inflammatory action on human astrocytes by limiting secretion of proinflammatory cytokines. Our data demonstrate that reactive astrocytes in MS lesions and cultured under proinflammatory conditions strongly enhance expression of S1P receptors 1 and 3. Results from this study indicate that astrocytes may act as a yet-unknown target within the CNS for the anti-inflammatory effects observed after FTY720P administration in the treatment of MS.

Mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated in the development and progression of multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions. Mitochondrial alterations might occur as a response to demyelination and inflammation, since demyelination leads to an increased energy demand in axons and could thereby affect the number, distribution and activity of mitochondria. We have studied the expression of mitochondrial proteins and mitochondrial enzyme activity in active demyelinating and chronic inactive MS lesions. Mitochondrial protein expression and enzyme activity in active and chronic inactive MS lesions was investigated using (immuno)histochemical and biochemical techniques. The number of mitochondria and their co-localization with axons and astrocytes within MS lesions and adjacent normal-appearing white matter (NAWM) was quantitatively assessed. In both active and inactive lesions we observed an increase in mitochondrial protein expression as well as a significant increase in the number of mitochondria. Mitochondrial density in axons and astrocytes was significantly enhanced in active lesions compared to adjacent NAWM, whereas a trend was observed in inactive lesions. Complex IV activity was strikingly up-regulated in MS lesions compared to control white matter and, to a lesser extent, NAWM. Finally, we demonstrated increased immunoreactivity of the mitochondrial stress protein mtHSP70 in MS lesions, particularly in astrocytes and axons. Our data indicate the occurrence of severe mitochondrial alterations in MS lesions, which coincides with enhanced mitochondrial oxidative stress. Together, these findings support a mechanism whereby enhanced density of mitochondria in MS lesions might contribute to the formation of free radicals and subsequent tissue damage.