Smuts, CorneliusHon, G.M.Hassan, M.S.Van Rensburg, S.J.Abel, S.Marais, D.W.Van Jaarsveld, P.Henning, F.Erasmus, R.T.Matsha, T.2010-08-042010-08-042009Smuts, C. et al. 2009. Erythrocyte membrane fatty acids in patients with multiple sclerosis. Multiple Sclerosis, 15(6):759-62, Jun. [https://doi.org/10.1177/1352458509103321]1352-45851477-0970 (Online)http://hdl.handle.net/10394/3336https://doi.org/10.1177/1352458509103321BACKGROUND: Reports on fatty acids levels in multiple sclerosis remain inconclusive. OBJECTIVE: To determine the erythrocyte membrane fatty acid levels in multiple sclerosis patients and correlate with Kurtzke Expanded Disability Status Scale. METHODS: Fatty acid composition of 31 multiple sclerosis and 30 control individuals were measured by gas chromatography. RESULTS: The membrane phosphatidylcholine C20:4n - 6 concentration was lower in the multiple sclerosis patients when compared to that of the control group, P = 0.04 and it correlated inversely with the EDSS and FSS. CONCLUSION: Decrease in C20:4n - 6 in the erythrocyte membrane could be an indication of depleted plasma stores, and a reflection of disease severity.