Ginger Extract Reduces the Expression of IL-17 and IL-23 in the Seraand Central Nervous System of EAEMice

Background: IL-17/IL-23 axis plays an important role in the pathogenesis of several autoimmune diseases such as experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and multiple sclerosis (MS). The immunomodulatory properties of ginger are reported in previous studies. Objective: To evaluate the effects of ginger extract on the expression of IL-17 and IL-23 in a model of EAE. Methods: EAE was induced in C57BL/6 mice by immunization with myelin oligodendroglial glycoprotein and then treated with PBS or ginger extracts, from day +3 to +30. At day 31, mice were scarificed and the expression of IL-17 and IL-23 mRNA in spinal cord were determined by using real time-PCR. The serum levels of cytokines were measured by ELISA. Results: The mRNA expression of IL-17, IL-23 P19 and IL-23 P40 in CNS and serum levels of IL- 17 and IL-23 were significantly higher in PBS-treated EAE mice than non-EAE group (p