title: MS14, a Marine Herbal Medicine, an Immunosuppressive Drug in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis.
abstract: 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.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  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.
  
  
  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.
authors.affiliation: Anatomical Sciences Department, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, IR Iran ; Shefa Neuroscience Research Center, Tehran, IR Iran.
authors.forename: Abbas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ebrahimi Kalan
authors.affiliation: Anatomical Sciences Department, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, IR Iran.
authors.forename: Jafar
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Soleimani Rad
authors.affiliation: Shefa Neuroscience Research Center, Tehran, IR Iran ; Pathobiology Department, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, IR Iran.
authors.forename: Laya
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Kafami
authors.affiliation: Anatomical Sciences Department, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, IR Iran.
authors.forename: Daryoush
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Mohamadnezhad
authors.affiliation: Anatomical Sciences Department, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, IR Iran.
authors.forename: Amir Afshin
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Khaki
authors.affiliation: Anatomical Sciences Department, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, IR Iran ; Anatomical Sciences Department, School of Medicine, Hamedan University of Medical Sciences, Hamedan, IR Iran.
authors.forename: Amaneh
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mohammadi Roushandeh
keywords: EAE; Herbal Medicine; Interleukin-6