Effects Mediated by Dimethyl Fumarate on In Vitro Oligodendrocytes: Implications in Multiple Sclerosis

Background: Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) is a drug currently in use in oral therapy for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) due to its immunomodulatory and neuroprotective effects. The mechanisms by which DMF exerts its therapeutic effects in MS and in particular its influence on the oligodendrocytes (OLs) survival or differentiation have not yet been fully understood. Methods: Characterization of Oli neu cells was performed by immunocytochemistry and RT-PCR. The effect of DMF on cell proliferation and morphology was assessed by MTT assay, trypan blue staining, RT-PCR and Western blot analysis. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of DMF were analysed by ROS detection through DCFDA staining and lipid content analysis by Oil Red O staining and TLC. Results: DMF has been observed to induce a slowdown of cell proliferation, favoring the oligodendrocyte lineage cells (OLCs) differentiation. DMF has an antioxidant effect and is able to modify the lipid content even after the LPS-mediated inflammatory stimulus in Oli neu cells. Conclusions: The results obtained confirm that DMF has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects also on Oli neu cells. Interestingly, it appears to promote the OLCs differentiation towards mature and potentially myelinating cells.