J Environ Pathol Toxicol Oncol 1998;17(3-4):325-9
Institute of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Yugoslavia.
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 activityof plasma glutathione transferase (GST), and the plasma content of vitaminsE and C were evaluated in 35 sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (sALS)patients. The results revealed significantly decreased activity of both GSH-Pxand 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 blockersuch 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.