Beneficial Effects of Blueberries in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis

摘要: Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is an animal model of disease that presents with pathological and clinical features similar to those multiple sclerosis (MS) including inflammation neurodegeneration. This study investigated whether blueberries, which possess immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective properties, could provide protection in EAE. Dietary supplementation 1% whole, freeze-dried blueberries reduced incidence by >50% a chronic EAE (p < 0.01). When blueberry-fed mice were compared control-fed EAE, had significantly lower motor disability scores = 0.03) as well greater myelin preservation the lumbar spinal cord 0.04). In relapsing-remitting model, blueberry-supplemented showed improved cumulative final control diet-fed 0.01 0.03, respectively). These data demonstrate blueberry beneficial models, suggesting are easily administered orally well-tolerated, may benefit MS patients.