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Updated: Oct 29, 2025
Author Spotlight: Creating a Versatile Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis Model Relevant for Both Male and Female Mice
Published on: October 13, 2023
Isoflavone diet ameliorates experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis through modulation of gut bacteria depleted in
Samantha N Jensen1, Nicole M Cady2, Shailesh K Shahi3
1Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Immunology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
Abstract:
The gut microbiota is a potential environmental factor that influences the development of multiple sclerosis (MS). We and others have demonstrated that patients with MS and healthy individuals have distinct gut microbiomes. However, the pathogenic relevance of these differences remains unclear. Previously, we showed that bacteria that metabolize isoflavones are less abundant in patients with MS, suggesting that isoflavone-metabolizing bacteria might provide protection against MS. Here, using a mouse model of MS, we report that an isoflavone diet provides protection against disease, which is dependent on the presence of isoflavone-metabolizing bacteria and their metabolite equol. Notably, the composition of the gut microbiome in mice fed an isoflavone diet exhibited parallels to healthy human donors, whereas the composition in those fed an isoflavone-free diet exhibited parallels to patients with MS. Collectively, our study provides evidence that dietary-induced gut microbial changes alleviate disease severity and may contribute to MS pathogenesis.
Insights
Dietary isoflavones protect against multiple sclerosis (MS) by promoting beneficial gut bacteria. This study shows that isoflavone-metabolizing bacteria and their metabolite equol are key to this protective effect in a mouse model.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Gut microbiota composition differs between multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and healthy individuals.
- The functional relevance of these gut microbiome alterations in MS pathogenesis is not fully understood.
- Reduced abundance of isoflavone-metabolizing bacteria in MS patients suggests a potential protective role.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the protective effect of dietary isoflavones against MS using a mouse model.
- To determine the role of isoflavone-metabolizing bacteria and their metabolite equol in this protective effect.
- To explore how dietary isoflavones influence gut microbiome composition in the context of MS.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a mouse model of multiple sclerosis (MS).
- Administered a diet supplemented with isoflavones.
- Analyzed gut microbiome composition and metabolite profiles.
- Assessed disease severity in the MS mouse model.
Main Results:
- An isoflavone-rich diet conferred protection against MS in the mouse model.
- This protection was dependent on the presence of isoflavone-metabolizing bacteria and the metabolite equol.
- Mice on an isoflavone diet showed gut microbiome profiles similar to healthy humans, while those on a control diet resembled MS patients.
Conclusions:
- Dietary interventions targeting the gut microbiota can alleviate MS disease severity.
- Isoflavone-metabolizing bacteria and equol play a crucial role in the protective effects of isoflavones against MS.
- Modulating the gut microbiome through diet may offer a therapeutic strategy for multiple sclerosis.
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