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MS14, a Marine Herbal Medicine, an Immunosuppressive Drug in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Abbas Ebrahimi Kalan1, Jafar Soleimani Rad2, Laya Kafami3
1Anatomical Sciences Department, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, IR Iran ; Shefa Neuroscience Research Center, Tehran, IR Iran.
Background:
Cytokines are secreted signaling proteins which play essential roles in immune responses during experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a demyelinating model that mimics many features of multiple sclerosis (MS). Interleukin 6 (IL-6) is a multifunctional cytokine produced by different cells, mediating inflammatory reactions and immune-mediated processes. Several studies have described immunosuppressive potentials of several herbal medicines. MS14 as an Iranian marine herbal medicine has anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities.
Objectives:
The present study investigated the immunosuppressive potential of MS14 as an herbal drug as well as the IL-6 level in EAE model. We hope it will be a new approach for neurologic diseases and autoimmune originated diseases therapy.
Patients And Methods:
The present experimental study was a collaboration between Department of Anatomical Sciences of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences and Shefa Neuroscience Research Center of Tehran. We used 30 C57BL/6 mice. The animals were immunized with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) to induce EAE and treated with MS14-containing (30%) diets. Subjects were selected by simple random sampling and then they were randomly allocated to two groups. EAE symptoms were assessed using the standard 10-point EAE scoring system from the seventh to the 35th day after immunization. Afterwards, the spleen was removed and its cells were cultured with or without MOG 35-55; then, the IL-6 level was analyzed by ELISA. In addition, histopathological studies were carried out for demyelination lesion evaluation in the spinal cord.
Results:
MS14 significantly improved clinical symptoms of EAE compared with the control (P < 0.05). It also suppressed proliferative responses of T cells and decreased IL-6 expression (16.93 ± 2.7 vs. 21.4 ± 3.33) (P < 0.05).
Conclusions:
Our results strongly suggested that IL-6 as a potential molecule could have a role in neuroimmunology and neuroinflammation, which is in congruent with previous studies. Therefore, it can be a clear target in strategic therapies and support effective properties of phytotherapy in EAE and MS treatment.
Insights
Marine herbal medicine MS14 improved experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) symptoms in mice by suppressing T cell proliferation and reducing Interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels. This suggests MS14 as a potential phytotherapy for autoimmune and neurological diseases like multiple sclerosis (MS).
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Cytokines, such as Interleukin-6 (IL-6), are crucial in immune responses during experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a model for multiple sclerosis (MS).
- MS14, an Iranian marine herbal medicine, exhibits anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties.
- IL-6 is a key mediator of inflammation and immune processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the immunosuppressive potential of MS14 in an EAE mouse model.
- To evaluate the effect of MS14 on IL-6 levels in EAE.
- To explore MS14 as a novel therapeutic approach for autoimmune and neurological diseases.
Main Methods:
- EAE was induced in C57BL/6 mice using myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG).
- Mice were treated with MS14-containing diets, and EAE symptoms were monitored using a 10-point scoring system.
- Interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were measured by ELISA in spleen cell cultures, and spinal cord histopathology was assessed for demyelination.
Main Results:
- MS14 significantly ameliorated clinical symptoms of EAE compared to controls (P < 0.05).
- MS14 suppressed T cell proliferative responses.
- A significant decrease in IL-6 expression was observed in MS14-treated mice (16.93 ± 2.7 vs. 21.4 ± 3.33, P < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- IL-6 plays a significant role in neuroinflammation and neuroimmunology, consistent with prior research.
- MS14 demonstrates potential as a therapeutic agent for EAE and MS.
- Targeting IL-6 and utilizing phytotherapy, like MS14, offers a promising strategy for treating neuroinflammatory and autoimmune conditions.