Enzymes Involved in Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a long-term chronic disease that affects the central nervous system, the network of nerves responsible for controlling most body functions. Millions of people worldwide are affected by MS. The disease disrupts communication between the brain and body, leading to a variety of symptoms. The exact cause of MS remains unknown, but scientific evidence points toward a malfunction of the immune system. Usually, the immune system defends the body against germs. In MS, however, the immune system mistakenly attacks the myelin sheath, a fatty substance that insulates and protects nerve fibers. This damage disrupts nerve signals, leading to the characteristic symptoms of MS. Immune cells, like other cells in the body, require a steady supply of amino acids to function correctly. When the immune system is activated due to inflammation or foreign invaders, its demand for amino acids increases rapidly. Studies suggested that changes in amino acid levels can influence immune cell activity and potentially contribute to MS development. In MS, oxidative stress encourages tissue damage. Antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase-4, heme oxygenase-1, peroxiredoxin-5, and superoxide dismutase-1 may be increased to guard against this. This chapter mainly deals with the role of various enzymes involved in MS.