Glutathione peroxidase in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: the effects of selenium supplementation
Apostolski, S.; Marinković, Z.; Nikolić, A.; Blagojević, D.; Spasić, M.B.; Michelson, A.M.
Journal of Environmental Pathology Toxicology and Oncology Official Organ of the International Society for Environmental Toxicology and Cancer 17(3-4): 325-329
1998
ISSN/ISBN: 0731-8898 PMID: 9726810 Document Number: 492042
The activity of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) as well as the activities of other antioxidative enzymes: CuZn superoxide dismutase (CuZn SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR) in erythrocytes, as well as the activity of plasma glutathione transferase (GST), and the plasma content of vitamins E and C were evaluated in 35 sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (sALS) patients. The results revealed significantly decreased activity of both GSH-Px and CuZn SOD in sALS patients compared with the control. These data showed that a disturbed oxidative/antioxidative balance in sALS patients exists not only in motoneurons but also in the blood. The effect of exogenously administered selenium (Se), antioxidants, amino acids, a Ca2+ channel blocker such as nimodipine, and their combination in Alsamin was evaluated by screening parameter levels after 9 weeks of treatment. Only the use of all components together enhanced the activity of GSH-Px and the amount of vitamin E in sALS patients. Judging by the results of clinical trials, this treatment slowed the course of the disease.