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Updated: Jun 21, 2026
05:44
Modeling Multiple Sclerosis in the Two Sexes: MOG35-55-Induced Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Published on: October 13, 2023
Estrogen and testosterone therapies in multiple sclerosis.
Stefan M Gold1, Rhonda R Voskuhl
1Department of Neurology, Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
Progress in Brain Research
|August 8, 2009
Summary
Sex hormones like testosterone and estriol show promise for treating multiple sclerosis (MS). Research indicates these hormones offer anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective benefits, with early clinical studies yielding encouraging results for MS patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Females exhibit higher susceptibility to autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS), rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriasis.
- Clinical observations in MS patients show disease improvement during pregnancy and postpartum exacerbation, suggesting a role for sex hormones.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review preclinical and clinical evidence for the therapeutic use of testosterone and estriol in treating MS.
- To explore the potential mechanisms of action for sex hormone-based therapies in MS.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing scientific literature on sex hormones and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in animal models.
- Analysis of findings from pilot studies involving transdermal testosterone in male MS patients and oral estriol in female MS patients.
Main Results:
- Preclinical studies using the EAE model support therapeutic effects of testosterone and estriol.
- Both hormones demonstrate anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties in experimental models.
- Pilot clinical studies in MS patients show encouraging preliminary results.
Conclusions:
- Testosterone and estriol represent potential therapeutic agents for multiple sclerosis.
- Further research into sex hormone-based treatments for MS is warranted based on preclinical and early clinical data.
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