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Updated: Mar 1, 2026
Determining Immune System Suppression versus CNS Protection for Pharmacological Interventions in Autoimmune Demyelination
Published on: September 12, 2016
The neuroprotective effect of mesenchymal stem cells on an experimentally induced model for multiple sclerosis in
Marwa M Mahfouz1, Rania M Abdelsalam2, Marwa A Masoud3
1Department of Training Unit and Continuous Education for Pharmacy, Menoufia University, Al Menoufia, Egypt.
Abstract:
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune demyelinating neurodegenerative central nervous system disorder. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prophylactic effect exerted by the one-time intraperitoneal injection of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) 1 × 106 and 14-day intraperitoneal injection of methylprednisolone (MP) 40 mg/kg in an experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). EAE was induced by intradermal injection of rat spinal cord homogenate with complete Freund's adjuvant in Swiss mice. Results of MSCs and MP-treated mice showed a significantly milder disease and fewer clinical scores compared to control mice. They suppressed tumor necrosis factor-alpha and myeloperoxidase and increased interleukin 10, whereas thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and nitric oxide brain contents were reduced to comparable levels between treatment groups. Brain content of GSH was significantly higher in MSCs-treated mice than control mice. It is evident that MSCs have relevant prophylactic effect in an animal model of MS and might represent a valuable tool for stem cell based therapy in MS.
Insights
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and methylprednisolone (MP) showed a prophylactic effect in an animal model of multiple sclerosis (MS). Both treatments reduced disease severity and key inflammatory markers, suggesting potential for MS therapy.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, autoimmune, neurodegenerative disorder affecting the central nervous system.
- Current treatments for MS aim to manage symptoms and reduce disease progression, but novel therapeutic strategies are needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prophylactic effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and methylprednisolone (MP) in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis.
- To compare the efficacy of MSCs and MP in mitigating disease severity and modulating inflammatory pathways in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE).
Main Methods:
- Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) was induced in Swiss mice using rat spinal cord homogenate and complete Freund's adjuvant.
- Mice received either a single intraperitoneal injection of MSCs (1 × 10^6) or a 14-day intraperitoneal injection of MP (40 mg/kg).
- Disease clinical scores, inflammatory markers (TNF-α, MPO, IL-10), oxidative stress markers (TBARS, NO, GSH), and brain tissue contents were assessed.
Main Results:
- Both MSCs and MP treatments significantly reduced clinical scores and disease severity compared to control mice.
- Treatments suppressed tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels, while increasing interleukin-10 (IL-10).
- MSC treatment notably increased brain glutathione (GSH) content, and both treatments reduced thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and nitric oxide (NO).
Conclusions:
- Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) demonstrate a relevant prophylactic effect in an animal model of multiple sclerosis (MS).
- MSCs may represent a valuable tool for future stem cell-based therapies for MS.
- Methylprednisolone (MP) also showed significant prophylactic effects, providing a benchmark for MSC efficacy.
