Journal of Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences

Background and Objective: The anti-inflammatory effects of the vitamin D and ginger have been demonstrated in some studies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of vitamin D and ginger extract on the clinical symptoms and leukocyte infiltration of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE).

Materials and Methods: For the induction of EAE, the (C57BL/6) were immunized subcutaneously MOG peptide emulsified in complete Freund's adjuvant. The mice divided into EAE group includimg: vitamin D-treated, ginger extract-treated, olive oil and phosphate-buffered saline, and also one group which was considered as normal group and received only PBS(phosphat- Buffered Saline). The mice were sacrificed at day 31 after immunization and the leukocytes infiltration was evaluated in the CNS (central nervous system). The EAE scores and the body weight were evaluated till day 30. Data were analyzed using t-test.

Results: Two control groups showed the clinical symptoms at day 10, whereas vitamin D and ginger-treated groups exhibited the symptoms at days 13 and 15, respectively. The maximum mean score of disease was (1.87±1.61), (1.92±1.79), (1.05±1.01), and (0.73±0.81) for olive oil-, PBS-, vitamin D3-, and ginger-treated groups, respectively. Vitamin D3 and ginger extract increased the body weight significantly )P =0.05) as compared to control groups. The leukocytes infiltration was also significantly lower in treated groups as compared to control group.

Conclusion: These observations represent that the vitamin D₃ and ginger extract have significant capability to attenuate the EAE severity.

Key words: EAE, Vitamin D₃, Ginger extract, Clinical symptoms

Funding: This research was funded by both Kerman University of Medical Sciences and Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences.

Conflict of interest: None declared.

Ethical approval: The Ethics Committee of Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences approved the study

How to cite this article: Mohammadi M, Ahangar-Parvin R, Azizi SV, Ayobi F, Taghipour Z_, Shamsizadeh A_, Moazeni M_, Goujani R_, Nemati M_, Jafarzadeh A. Evaluation of the Effect of Vitamin D₃ and Ginger Extract on the Clinical Symptoms and the Severity of Inflammation in EAE. J RafsanjanUniv Med Sci 2014 13(7): 683-94. [Farsi]