Combined treatment with atorvastatin and minocycline suppresses severity of EAE
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Medical Update Memo
April 3, 2008
SUMMARY
Using an animal model of MS called experimental
autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), this study
investigates whether atorvastatin, a drug currently
used to lower cholesterol, and minocycline,
an antibiotic, have potential as neuroprotective
agents when used in combination.
DETAILS
An approach to improve MS treatment is to identify
a rational combination of new medications
or existing therapies that impact different
aspects of the disease process. Statins are
effective in the treatment of MS animal models
and are promising candidates for future treatment.
Minocycline ameliorates clinical severity
of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
(EAE) and exhibits several anti-inflammatory
and neuroprotective activities. Both of these
drugs are available as oral compounds.
In this study, Italian researchers from Florence , tested whether the combination
of these two drugs could produce beneficial effects in EAE mice immunized with
myelin oligodendrocyte protein (MOG). Their findings show that combined treatment,
compared to using the medications alone, resulted in a significant reduction
in disease severity, in both the acute and chronic phases of the disease, along
with attenuation of inflammation, demyelination and axonal loss. Stereological
analysis revealed that the combined treatment significantly guarded against
neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Moreover, a significant suppression
of anti-MOG antibody production in animals treated with the two medications
was found. In conclusion, the findings suggest that this combination of drugs
may be neuroprotective and may help to suppress the severity of EAE. Furthermore,
this pharmacological approach appears to be promising as a future therapeutic
strategy to control MS.
Here in Canada, clinical researchers in Calgary and 13 other Canadian centres
will be taking an in-depth look at minocycline after initial studies have shown
promising results. A new $4 million multi-centre clinical trial involving 200
participants from across Canada is being funded through the MS Society’s
related MS Scientific Research Foundation. For more information on work being
done with minocycline please see:
www.mssociety.ca/en/research/medmmo_20080402.htm
www.mssociety.ca/en/releases/nr_20071025.htm
ASK MS Information System Code: 1.4.2.bb
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Disclaimer
The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada is an independent, voluntary health
agency and does not approve, endorse or recommend any specific product or therapy,
but provides information to assist individuals in making their own decisions.
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