Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026
Overcoming Unresponsiveness in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE) Resistant Mouse Strains by Adoptive Transfer and Antigenic Challenge
Published on: April 9, 2012
Inhibition of autoimmune deterioration in MRL/lpr mice by vitamin E
1F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Vitamins Division, Basel, Switzerland.
Abstract:
The potential of the antioxidant vitamin E to modulate the progress of the SLE-like (systemic lupus erythematosus) autoimmune disease in MRL/MP-lpr/lpr (MRL/lpr) mice is described. Mice were orally supplemented with 0.4 mg vitamin E per day 5 times per week from week 8 of age onwards and compared with mice on a commercial or a vitamin E-deficient diet. Supplementation with vitamin E extended the mean survival time from 157 to 196 days; the massive spleen and lymph node enlargements were reduced; mitogenic responses of B and T cells were normalized; the abnormal differentiation patterns of thymic and splenic cell sub-populations were changed; titers of anti-double stranded DNA antibodies, concentrations of serum amyloid P component (SAP, an acute phase protein), and proteinuria were reduced. The results indicate that vitamin E beneficially affects the development of the SLE-like disease in MRL/lpr mice suggesting a possible measure to reduce human SLE and probably various other autoimmune diseases in humans as well.
Insights
Vitamin E supplementation improved survival and reduced disease severity in mice with a lupus-like autoimmune condition. This suggests vitamin E may help manage systemic lupus erythematosus and other autoimmune diseases.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Nutrition Science
- Autoimmune Disease Research
Background:
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease with significant morbidity and mortality.
- Current treatments for SLE can have serious side effects, necessitating exploration of alternative therapeutic strategies.
- The role of antioxidants, such as vitamin E, in modulating autoimmune disease progression is an area of ongoing investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of dietary vitamin E supplementation to ameliorate the clinical and immunological manifestations of an SLE-like autoimmune disease in MRL/lpr mice.
- To assess the impact of vitamin E on survival, organomegaly, immune cell function, autoantibody production, and key disease biomarkers.
Main Methods:
- MRL/lpr mice were orally supplemented with vitamin E (0.4 mg/day, 5 times/week) starting at 8 weeks of age.
- Control groups received either a standard commercial diet or a vitamin E-deficient diet.
- Key parameters including survival, spleen and lymph node size, T and B cell mitogenic responses, thymic and splenic cell sub-populations, anti-dsDNA antibody titers, serum amyloid P component (SAP) levels, and proteinuria were evaluated.
Main Results:
- Vitamin E supplementation significantly extended mean survival time from 157 to 196 days.
- Supplemented mice exhibited reduced spleen and lymph node enlargement compared to controls.
- Normalization of B and T cell mitogenic responses and altered thymic/splenic cell differentiation patterns were observed.
- Significant reductions in anti-double stranded DNA antibody titers, serum amyloid P component (SAP) concentrations, and proteinuria were noted in vitamin E-treated mice.
Conclusions:
- Dietary vitamin E supplementation demonstrates a beneficial effect on the progression of SLE-like autoimmune disease in MRL/lpr mice.
- Vitamin E may serve as a potential therapeutic agent for reducing the severity and improving outcomes in human SLE.
- These findings suggest a broader potential for vitamin E in managing various autoimmune conditions in humans.
