DHEA Prevents Experimental Multiple Sclerosis In Animals

Researchers have discovered that DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) decreases inflammation and stops the development of allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of multiple sclerosis (MS). The study, reported in the December 15th issue of the Journal of Immunology, investigated both in vitro and in vivo effects of DHEA in mouse cells and in live animals.

First, the researchers added DHEA to cultured spleen cells and noted that it produced anti-inflammatory effects. Then, they administered DHEA to the mice and discovered its in vivo effects mirrored those of the in vitro experiments. When the animals were treated with DHEA, it led to a significant reduction in the severity and incidence of acute EAE, along with decreased inflammation and expressions of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the central nervous system.

'These studies suggest that DHEA has potent anti-inflammatory properties,' wrote the study authors. Based on these results, the researchers believe DHEA may be an alternative treatment to glucocorticoids. While glucocorticoids are associated with adverse effects, DHEA is safe and without dangerous side effects. Therefore, the researchers believe, DHEA may be a potential treatment for multiple sclerosis and other chronic inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system.

Reference:

Du C, Khalil MW, Sriram S. Administration of dehydroepiandrosterone suppresses experimental allergic encephalomyelitis in SJL/J mice. J Immunol. 2001 Dec 15;167(12):7094-101.