Comparison of the effects of 17β- estradiol-treated and untreated mesenchymal stem cells on ameliorating animal model of multiple sclerosis

Objective(s): The current investigation was undertaken to evaluate the effects of 17β- estradiol (17β- ED) on the potential of the mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for modulation of immunity responses in an animal model of multiple sclerosis (MS). Materials and Methods: After isolation of MSCs, cells were cultured in presence of 100 nM 17β-ED for 24 hr. Modeling of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) was achieved by using guinea pig spinal cord homogenate, in addition to complete Freund’s adjuvant in male Wistar rats. The processes of cell therapy were started following 12 days post-immunization. This duration allows all animals to develop a disability score. The achieved EAE clinical symptoms were regularly monitored every day until day 36, when all of examined rats were euthanized. Results: Cell therapy in the EAE rats with 17β-ED-primed MSCs exhibited more desirable consequences, which in turn lead to regression of the cumulative clinical score and neuropathological changes that are more than the therapy with untreated MSCs. The serum measures of myeloperoxidase (MPO), nitric oxide (NO) as well as splenocytes-originated pro-inflammatory interleukin-17 (IL-17) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) were significantly decreased in EAE rats treated by 17β-ED primed-MSCs compared to EAE rats that received untreated MScs. Conclusion: Combination of 17β-ED and MSCs more effectively improved the signs and symptoms of EAE.