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Understanding Oxidative Stress
by Linda Ali Cruz
 Oxidative stress is a condition that arises when our cells cannot adequately destroy the
free radicals we make. Free radicals are chemicals that are highly reactive and can cause
“molecular oxidation” or damage to important cellular molecules such as DNA, lipids or other
parts of the cell. Oxidative stress results primarily from environmental toxins such as toxic metals
and chemicals, alcohol, smoke, smog, prescription drugs, emotional stress, too much exercise
and/or a poor diet which are all thought to increase the occurrence of free radical formation in the
body.
Recent years have shown that free radical damage is associated with many
degenerative disorders (diabetes, heart disease, many cancers) and neurological disorders, including ALS. These types
of disorders share in the massive production of free radicals over a long period of time and a depletion of the body's
antioxidant defenses.
A new sample study being conducted here at the MDA/ALS Research Center looks to determine whether or not
ALS patients have significantly higher levels of oxidative stress compared to non-patients. We are interested in finding out
if there is a connection between chemicals called cytokines, which are often induced by cell damage to signal new
cellular reactions, and markers of oxidative stress. The levels of these chemicals may be closely linked to clinical
severity of the disease, although a positive association with cytokines and oxidative stress has not been proven.
The study is currently enrolling patients and non-patients (controls) alike. All interested study participants will be
asked to provide blood and urine samples. Patients will be asked to return in 3-6 months following their initial
participation to provide repeat blood and urine samples. This allows for better testing of the reliability and sustainability of
oxidative stress markers, since they have been known to have a relatively brief existence.
Eligibility requirements are as follows:
Patients:
- Must have been diagnosed with ALS.
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May be either male or female, over the age of 18, regardless of their stage of disease.
- Should have no current or past history of any major medical or neurological diseases, other
than ALS, and not be taking any specific medications.
Controls:
- May include patient's spouse, siblings, and/or other family members and friends of an age
difference of +/- 5 years.
- Should have no current or past medical history of any major medical or neurological
diseases and not be taking any specific medications.
The investigators hope that by understanding more about oxidative stress markers – what they are, how they
function, and how and when their levels change – they may eventually be able to answer questions about the cause and
development of ALS.
If you are interested in enrolling either as a patient or a control, please contact Linda Ali Cruz at 212-342-5529 or
lcruz@neuro.Columbia.edu.
IN MEMORIUM:
The Eleanor and Lou Gehrig MDA/ALS Research Center mourns the loss of Robert Ross, President and CEO
of the Muscular Dystrophy Association, who succumbed to pneumonia on June 6, 2006, at age 86. For over 40 years,
Mr. Ross was the MDA’s guiding hand and top executive, transforming it from a few local chapters into an
international organization dedicated to fighting neuromuscular diseases. Mr. Ross coordinated fundraising, publicity,
medical and humanitarian services, disability policies and life-saving medical research. Along with Jerry Lewis, he
established the MDA Labor Day Telethon, a broadcast tradition now in its fortieth year. Mr. Ross initiated and then
expanded a network of hospital affiliated clinics that provide diagnosis and care for those with neuromuscular
diseases. He founded the children’s summer camp program and established an extensive research grant program that
supports a wide range of scientific and clinical investigations.
We are grateful for his vision, his dedication and his years of service.
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