One-time intrathecal triamcinolone acetonide application alters the redox potential in cerebrospinal fluid of progressive multiple sclerosis patients: a pilot study.

INTRODUCTION: Cerebrospinal fluid analysis may provide insight into the interplay between chronic inflammation and response to treatment.

OBJECTIVES: To demonstrate the impact of one intrathecal triamcinolone injection on the redox potential and on ascorbyl radical appearance in the cerebrospinal fluid of chronic progressive multiple sclerosis patients.

METHODS: A total of 16 patients received 40 mg triamcinolone. Electron-spin resonance spectroscopy measured the oxidation range after copper ion [Cu (II)] addition and ascorbyl-radical bioavailability.

RESULTS: There was an increase of Cu (II) ion absorption, which reflects an augmented content of reduced proteins. Ascorbyl radicals were present in contrast to healthy controls according to the literature.

CONCLUSION: Intrathecal steroid application alters the redox potential in cerebrospinal fluid. Our findings support the beneficial role of steroids on oxidative stress generally demonstrated by ascorbyl radical appearance. Reactive oxygen species decline is necessary for an upregulated production of reduced proteins.