Investigation of the Protective and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Fisetin on Serum Levels of Interferon- Gamma and Myelin Basic Protein Expressing Cells Survival in the Mouse Brain Following Cuprisone Gavage

Abstract

Background: External toxic agents with nuclear antigens similar to myelin basic proteins can activate immune cells and destroy the myelin sheath. Fisetin is vital in preventing nerve damage because of its neuroprotective effects. In the present study, the effects of fisetin were investigated on the interferon-gamma (IFN-) serum levels and prevention of Mbp-expressing cell death in the mouse brain. Methods: 20 C57BL/6 mice were divided into five groups: control, sham, cuprizone, fisetin, and cuprizone/fisetin. Cuprizone was used to induce the death of MBP-positive cells. At the end of the study, the serum level of Interferon-gamma was determined by ELISA, and the average percentage of Mbp-positive cells was determined by immunohistochemistry technique. Finally, the data were analyzed using the One-Way ANOVA test Findings: The mean expression of the inflammatory factor Interferon-gamma in the fisetin-receiving group was significantly reduced compared to the cuprizone group (P 0.001). Also, following the use of cuprizone, the mean percentage of Mbp-positive cells in the cuprizone group was significantly reduced compared to the other groups (P 0.05). Conclusion: Cuprizone can increase the death of neuroglial cells expressing the Mbp factor by raising serum levels of the inflammatory factor Interferon-gamma. The results of this study indicate that fisetin, as a type of flavonoid, can play a crucial role in protecting neuroglial cells by exerting anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects and reducing the destructive effects of inflammatory factors on nervous tissue. © 2025 Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved.