Glycolytic enzymes of red blood cells in patients with multiple sclerosis and optic neuritis

Neurodegenerative diseases are associated with oxidative stress, which affects the cellular structures of various tissues and metabolic disorders. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease of the central nervous system, with a variable course, and the optic neuritis (ON) is an early symptom of MS. Glycolytic enzymes are known as multienzyme complex associated with band 3 on the inner side of the erythrocyte membrane (ER). Glycolysis is a major source of energy generating ATP necessary for the stability and functioning of the ER membrane. Glycolytic enzymes, except for the basic functions (glucose metabolism) interact with ER membranes proteins and enzymes affecting their activity.

Kinetic parameters (Vmax, Km and Vmax / Km-efficiency) of the aldolase and the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were determined in ER of healthy donors (n = 6) and patients (n = 15) with multiple sclerosis (MS) and optic neuritis (ON). It was shown that in ER aldolaseefficiency (Vmax / Km)decreased greater than LDH in patients (MS+ON) compared with the control. The intensity of glycolysis and ATP generation could be reduced with a decrease of enzymes efficiency and thus to affect the ER functioning.

Activity of enzymes was determined in the blood serum of healthy donors and patients with MS and ON. Aldolase activity decreased and LDH activity increased in patients compared to controls. The activity of aldolase in patients with ON decreased to a grater extent. An inverse correlation between changes of the aldolase activity in the blood serum and ER was found. That could have an adaptive character in the metabolism and regulation of glycolysis in the ER.