Contributions
Abstract: EP1507
Type: ePoster
Abstract Category: Pathology and pathogenesis of MS - 18 Neurobiology
Myelin sheaths of central nervous system (CNS) are multilayered and are enriched in lipids and proteins. Any perturbation in myelin protein expression or structure might contribute to disassembly of the myelin sheath. It is speculated that specific chemicals found in cherries could reduce pain, modulate inflammation, and exert antioxidative effects. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effect of pure p-coumaric acid as a potent antioxidant agent, and tart cherry extract ingestion on the expression of the oxidative stress sensor Nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) and the myelin homeostasis factor myelin basic protein (MBP) during cuprizone-induced de- and remyelination.
Acute demyelination was induced by feeding young mice for 6 weeks with cuprizone mixed into ground rodent chow. At week 6, animals were returned to normal chow for up to 6 weeks to allow endogenous remyelination. Animals were sacrificed after acute demyelination as well as after 3 and 6 weeks of recovery. Mice were categorized into three groups: normal chow, tart cherry or p-coumaric acid. HPLC was used to quantify p-coumaric acid levels in entire tart cherry extracts. To estimate levels of oxidative stress and myelin recovery, we quantified Nrf2 and MBP gene expression levels by means of rt-PCR in the isolated brains. Results were compared to control animals not intoxicated with cuprizone.
In male mice, Nrf2 expression was induced at week 6 and 9, and thereafter was found to be downregulated. Recovery of Nrf2 expression was accelerated in tart cherry treated groups. p-coumaric acid had an intermediate effect on Nrf2 expression. Amelioration of Nrf2 expression in tart cherry treated groups was paralleled by a pronounced induction of MBP expression. This was not observed in p-coumaric acid treated groups. Interestingly, these effects were specific for male mice, and were not observed in female mice.
In summary, this study clearly illustrates a potent anti-oxidative effect of tart cherry extracts in a model for de- and remyelination. Beyond, remyelination might be accelerated by tart cherry extract treatment. Future studies now have to show which pathways and cell types are involved in this protective effect.
Disclosure: This research was done by personal funding
Abstract: EP1507
Type: ePoster
Abstract Category: Pathology and pathogenesis of MS - 18 Neurobiology
Myelin sheaths of central nervous system (CNS) are multilayered and are enriched in lipids and proteins. Any perturbation in myelin protein expression or structure might contribute to disassembly of the myelin sheath. It is speculated that specific chemicals found in cherries could reduce pain, modulate inflammation, and exert antioxidative effects. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effect of pure p-coumaric acid as a potent antioxidant agent, and tart cherry extract ingestion on the expression of the oxidative stress sensor Nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) and the myelin homeostasis factor myelin basic protein (MBP) during cuprizone-induced de- and remyelination.
Acute demyelination was induced by feeding young mice for 6 weeks with cuprizone mixed into ground rodent chow. At week 6, animals were returned to normal chow for up to 6 weeks to allow endogenous remyelination. Animals were sacrificed after acute demyelination as well as after 3 and 6 weeks of recovery. Mice were categorized into three groups: normal chow, tart cherry or p-coumaric acid. HPLC was used to quantify p-coumaric acid levels in entire tart cherry extracts. To estimate levels of oxidative stress and myelin recovery, we quantified Nrf2 and MBP gene expression levels by means of rt-PCR in the isolated brains. Results were compared to control animals not intoxicated with cuprizone.
In male mice, Nrf2 expression was induced at week 6 and 9, and thereafter was found to be downregulated. Recovery of Nrf2 expression was accelerated in tart cherry treated groups. p-coumaric acid had an intermediate effect on Nrf2 expression. Amelioration of Nrf2 expression in tart cherry treated groups was paralleled by a pronounced induction of MBP expression. This was not observed in p-coumaric acid treated groups. Interestingly, these effects were specific for male mice, and were not observed in female mice.
In summary, this study clearly illustrates a potent anti-oxidative effect of tart cherry extracts in a model for de- and remyelination. Beyond, remyelination might be accelerated by tart cherry extract treatment. Future studies now have to show which pathways and cell types are involved in this protective effect.
Disclosure: This research was done by personal funding