Effect of carvacrol on the expression of IL-10, FOX-P3, IL-4 and TGF-β genes in the spinal cord of rats model of Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is a common neurological disorder that is characterized by inflammation, axonal destruction, and atrophy of the central nervous system. Carvacrol is a valuable phytoestrogenic compound that has been shown thus far to be effective reducing inflammation and protecting neurons. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of carvacrol on the expression of IL-10 FOX-P3, IL-4, and TGF-β genes in the spinal cord of EAE (Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis) rats as an animal model of MS. EAE was induced in female Lewis rats and they then were divided into three groups: control, EAE model, and EAE treated with carvacrol. Carvacrol was injected daily intraperitoneally from days 12 to 29 after immunization. RNA was extracted from rat spinal cord tissue and changes in the expression of the IL-10, FOX-P3, IL-4, and TGF-β genes were examined by real-time PCR.The results showed induction of the MS experimental model in the Lewis rats decreased expression of the IL-10, IL-4, and TGF anti-inflammatory genes in spinal cord of rats. Treatment of EAE rats with carvacrol significantly increased IL-10 gene expression(p < 0.001), but showed no positive effect on the expression of the other two genes. The expression of the FOX-P3 gene in the model group increased significantly(p < 0.001), but this decreased after carvacrol treatment. With the effect of carvacrol on increasing IL-10 gene expression, reduce local inflammation and increase debris clearance, converts the invasive environment created for neurons into a safe environment and triggers remyelination.