Assessment of region-specific oxidative stress in multiple sclerosis using short-TE STEAM at 7T

Motivation: Brain oxidative stress has an important role in the pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis (MS). Goal(s): This work assessed oxidative stress in relapsing remitting MS (RRMS) by measuring the major brain antioxidant, glutathione (GSH). Approach: GSH concentrations were measured using 7T MRS in the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) and centrum semiovale white matter (CSWM) of 10 RRMS patients and 13 matched healthy controls. The relationship between GSH concentrations and functional measures was also investigated. Results: This preliminary investigation showed no significant difference in GSH concentration between RRMS and healthy participants, and no significant relationship between GSH concentration and functional measures. Impact: Oxidative stress was not detected in our RRMS participants, concordant with one previous study. Prior work has shown low GSH in progressive MS. Further work with larger sample sizes will investigate oxidative stress in RRMS participants at risk of progression.