Acta Neurol Belg. 2026 Aug 3. doi: 10.1007/s13760-026-03150-5. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of programmed cell death characterized by lipid peroxidation, has emerged as a key mechanism associated with neuroinflammation. This process is particularly relevant in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), where neuroinflammatory pathways contribute significantly to disease pathology.
METHODS: This study included 38 patients with RRMS and 38 healthy controls. Plasma levels of key ferroptosis-related biomarkers, including malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), as well as iron and ferritin, were analyzed.
RESULTS: The analysis demonstrated significantly elevated levels of MDA, iron, and ferritin in the RRMS group compared to the control group with p-values of 0.004, 0.042, and 0.038, respectively. Conversely, GSH and GPX4 levels were significantly reduced in the RRMS group with p-values of 0.028, and 0.014, respectively. A significant correlation was observed between MDA and iron levels in the control group (r = 0.346, p = 0.045).
CONCLUSION: The significant differences in plasma levels of ferroptosis-related biomarkers between RRMS patients and healthy controls suggest a potential role for ferroptosis in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis.
PMID:42545622 | DOI:10.1007/s13760-026-03150-5