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Chronic calorie restriction attenuates experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
Author(s) -
Piccio Laura,
Stark Jennifer L.,
Cross Anne H.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
journal of leukocyte biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.819
H-Index - 191
eISSN - 1938-3673
pISSN - 0741-5400
DOI - 10.1189/jlb.0208133
Subject(s) - experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis , multiple sclerosis , calorie restriction , neuroprotection , myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein , adiponectin , leptin , endocrinology , inflammation , myelin , immune system , medicine , biology , immunology , encephalomyelitis , cytokine , central nervous system , diabetes mellitus , insulin resistance , obesity
Calorie restriction (CR) prevents many age‐associated diseases and prolongs the lifespan. CR induces multiple metabolic and physiologic modifications, including anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects that may be beneficial in multiple sclerosis (MS). The present studies sought to determine whether CR or increased calorie intake alters the course of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), the leading animal model for MS. SJL and C57BL/6 mice were subjected to 40% CR beginning at 5 weeks of age. After 5 weeks of CR, EAE was induced by immunizing with proteolipid protein in SJL mice and with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein in C57BL/6 mice. Clinical, histologic, and immunologic features of EAE were compared with mice fed ad libitum and to SJL mice fed a high‐fat, high‐calorie diet. CR ameliorated clinical EAE in both mouse strains with less severe inflammation, demyelination, and axon injury. No suppression of immune function was observed. A high‐calorie diet did not alter the EAE course. CR was associated with increased plasma levels of corticosterone and adiponectin and reduced concentrations of IL‐6 and leptin. The CR‐induced hormonal, metabolic, and cytokine changes observed in our studies suggest a combined anti‐inflammatory and neuroprotective effect. CR with adequate nutrition and careful medical monitoring should be explored as a potential treatment for MS.