The beneficial effects of 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid on the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in C57BL/6 mouse model

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the beneficial effects of 18 beta-glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) on the experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) in C57BL/6 mice. GA is a natural substance found in the root of licorice and is used in traditional Chinese medicine. It has many pharmacological activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer effects. Materials and methods: A total of 40 C57BL/6 mice were divided equally into four groups: (1) Control, (2) EAE, (3) GA and (4) GAthornEAE. 14 days after induction of EAE with MOG35-55 and pertussis toxin, mice were treated with GA at doses of 100 mg/kg/day for 7 days intraperitoneally. Results: To our results, oxidative stress and lipid peroxidations (elevated TBARS levels, decreased GPx, SOD, CAT, and GSH levels) were significantly (p<. 01) increased, causing EAE in brain tissue. Also, histopathological damage (Caspase-3 and IL-17 activity, p <=.01) and cytokine levels (TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta, p<. 01) were induced with EAE in mice brain tissue. On the other hand, GA treatment significantly (p<. 01) reversed oxidative histological and immunological alterations caused by EAE. Conclusions: In conclusion, the GA treatment can protect the brain tissue against EAE in mice with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.