Investigation of the Effects of Fisetin on the Serum Levels of Interleukin-2 and-10 and Prevention of Cuprizone-Induced Myelin Destruction

Abstract

Background: Neurodegenerative diseases are among the most common inflammatory diseases that cause significant physical disabilities by disrupting the functioning of the nervous system. Fisetin, as a flavonoid, plays an important role in preventing nerve damage. In this study, the effects of fisetin on the serum levels of interleukin-2 and-10 and the prevention of cuprizone-induced myelin destruction were investigated. Methods: 20 C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to control, sham, cuprizone, fisetin, and cuprizone-fisetin groups. Cuprizone was used at a dose of 400 mg/kg daily to induce demyelination. In addition, fisetin was injected intraperitoneally at a dose of 20 mg/kg in the treated groups. Finally, immunohistochemical staining was used to examine myelin and ELISA was used to assess serum levels of interleukin-2 and-10. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA. Findings: The results showed that the mean serum level of interleukin-2 in the cuprizone group was significantly increased compared to the other groups (P ≤ 0.01). Furthermore, the mean myelin density (P ≤ 0.001) and serum level of interleukin-10 in the fisetin group (P ≤ 0.01) and in the cuprizone-fisetin group (P ≤ 0.05) were significantly increased compared to the cuprizone group. Conclusion: Cuprizone, with its inflammatory effects, can cause the death of oligodendrocyte cells and the destruction of myelin tissue. On the other hand, fisetin, by exerting anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects, can prevent the death of myelin-forming cells and maintains myelin density by reducing the destructive effects of inflammation. © 2026, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved.