The Therapeutic Potential of Ascorbic Acid in Enhancing Health-Related Quality of Life and Modulating Relapse Rates in Multiple Sclerosis Patients: A Clinical Study in West Libya

الملخص

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease characterized by CNS lesions that can lead to severe physical or cognitive disability as well as neurological defects, and reduce quality of life. This disease is associated with demyelination, neurodegeneration, and increased oxidative stress. Although the etiology and pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis remain unclear, the present documents illustrate that the cause of this disease is multifactorial and includes genetic predisposition together with environmental factors such as exposure to infectious agents, vitamin deficiencies, and smoking. These agents can trigger a cascade of events in the immune system, which leads to inflammation, neurodegeneration, demyelination, and neuronal dysfunction. Conventional therapies for this disease are based on the use of anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory drugs, but these treatments are not able to stop the destruction of nerve tissue. This study hypothesizes that treatment with ascorbic acid (vitamin C) supplementation may reduce symptoms and positively influence the outcome of MS, resulting in improved patient quality of life. The Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life 29 questionnaire (MSQL-29) was applied for disease progression and to evaluate the multiple sclerosis patient life style. The investigation of the disease status was performed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and biochemical analysis for vitamin C levels in the blood. Through laboratory tests, it was found that patients with multiple sclerosis have a deficiency in vitamin C, while Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) showed no structural changes in lesion load. Through the Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-29 questionnaire (MSQL-29), the study found that vitamin C has given positive results by improving the general health of patients and has reduced the sense of pain and the extent to which pain interferes with the patient’s normal work; vitamin C raises the sense of energy while reducing the sense of frustration and depression and improving the enjoyment of life. Thus, improving the quality of life.