Evaluation of the therapeutic potential of cerebrolysin and/or lithium in the male Wistar rat model of Parkinson's disease induced by reserpine.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disease worldwide and represents a challenge for clinicians. The present study aims to investigate the effects of cerebrolysin and/or lithium on the behavioral, neurochemical and histopathological alterations induced by reserpine as a model of PD. The rats were divided into control and reserpine-induced PD model groups. The model animals were further divided into four subgroups: rat PD model, rat PD model treated with cerebrolysin, rat PD model treated with lithium and rat PD model treated with a combination of cerebrolysin and lithium. Treatment with cerebrolysin and/or lithium ameliorated most of the alterations in oxidative stress parameters, acetylcholinesterase and monoamines in the striatum and midbrain of reserpine-induced PD model. It also ameliorated the changes in nuclear factor-kappa and improved the histopathological picture induced by reserpine. It could be suggested that cerebrolysin and/or lithium showed promising therapeutic potential against the variations induced in the reserpine model of PD. However, the ameliorating effects of lithium on the neurochemical, histopathological and behavioral alterations induced by reserpine were more prominent than those of cerebrolysin alone or combined with lithium. It can be concluded that the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of both drugs played a significant role in their therapeutic potency.

Surface modifications affect iron oxide nanoparticles' biodistribution after multiple-dose administration in rats.

Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) possess many utilizable physical and chemical properties and have an acceptable level of biocompatibility. Therefore, they are extensively used in different medical applications. Hence, the challenge is to modify the surfaces of prepared iron oxide nanoformulations with a biocompatible coat to enhance their biosafety. In this study, different formulations of IONPs with different capping agents (citrate [Cit-IONPs], curcumin [Cur-IONPs], and chitosan [CS-IONPs]) were prepared and characterized using various physicochemical techniques. The biodistribution of iron and the histopathology of affected tissues were assessed after Cit-IONPs, Cur-IONPs, CS-IONPs, and commercial ferrous sulfate were orally administered to adult female Wistar rats for 10 consecutive days at a dose of 4 mg/kg of body weight/day. The results were compared with a control group injected orally with saline. The iron content in the kidneys, liver, and spleen was measured by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Histopathological alterations were also examined. The biodistribution results demonstrate that iron accumulated mainly in the liver tissue, whereas the lowest liver accumulation was observed after the administration of Cit-IONPs or CS-IONPs, respectively. In contrast, the administration of CS-IONPs displayed the highest spleen iron accumulation. The ferrous sulfate (FeSO4 )-treated group showed the highest kidney iron accumulation as compared with the other groups. The histopathological examination revealed that signs of toxicity were predominant for groups treated with Cit-IONPs or commercial FeSO4 . However, Cur-IONPs and CS-IONPs showed mild toxicity when administered at the same doses. The results obtained in the present study will provide insights into the expected in vivo effects after administration of each nanoformulation.

Molecular and pathological characterisation of genotype VII Newcastle disease virus on Egyptian chicken farms during 2016-2018.

Newcastle disease virus (NDV) remains a constant threat to the poultry industry even with intensive vaccination programmes. In the present study, 40 samples were collected from farms showing high mortalities in some Egyptian governorates between 2016 and 2018. Tracheal samples were collected for virus isolation and confirmed by real-time RT-PCR. Molecular characterisation was performed by sequencing, followed by phylogenetic analysis of the novel sequences. Histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations were performed on different organs from NDV-infected broilers. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that the NDV isolates from different areas of Egypt were genetically closely related and all belonged to genotype VII. The histopathological hallmarks included haemorrhagic tracheitis, interstitial pneumonia with syncytia formation, haemorrhagic proventriculitis, necrotising pancreatitis, pan-lymphoid depletion, non-suppurative encephalitis and nephritis. Immunological detection of NDV antigen clarified the widespread presence of viral antigen in different organs with severe lesions. The present study confirmed that a virulent NDV of genotype VII became the predominant strain, causing severe outbreaks in poultry farms in Egypt. The presence of viral antigen in different organs indicates the pantropic nature of the virus. Immunohistochemistry was a very useful diagnostic tool for the detection of NDV antigen.

Molecular characterization of pathogenic Escherichia coli isolated from diarrheic and in-contact cattle and buffalo calves.

Escherichia coli field isolates from calves were characterized and categorized into the most significant diarrheagenic pathotypes using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays with different specific primers. The used PCR systems were designed to detect sequences representing the group-specific virulence genes encoding fimbriae f5 (K99), Shiga toxins (stx1 and stx2), heat-stable enterotoxins (st), heat-labile enterotoxins (lt), intimin (eae), hemolysin (hylA), and EAEC heat-stable enterotoxin (astA). In the present work, a total of 150 E. coli field isolates were recovered from 150 fecal swabs collected from 100 diarrheic and 50 apparently healthy in-contact cattle and buffalo calves under 3 months old. Out of these 150 isolated E. coli, 106 isolates from 77 diarrheic and 29 in-contact calves harbored one or more of the investigated virulence genes. The pathotyping of the isolates could classify them into shigatoxigenic E. coli (STEC), enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC), enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC), and enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC) with a 30.7, 2.7, 12.7, and 7.3% distribution, respectively. Meanwhile, the detection rates of f5, stx1, stx2, st, lt, eae, hylA, and astA genes were 17.3, 27.3, 6.7, 10, 37.3, 17.7, 9.3, and 20.7%, respectively. These virulence genes were found either single or in different combinations, such as stx/eae, stx/st/f5, eae/st/f5, or st/lt/f5. Four attaching-effacing shigatoxigenic E. coli isolates (AE-STEC) harboring stx/eae were retrieved from diarrheic calves. Although none of the stx-or eae-positive isolates was verified as O157:H7, STEC isolates detected in apparently healthy calves have potential pathogenicity to humans highlighting their zoonotic importance as reservoirs. Atypical combinations of ETEC/STEC and ETEC/EPEC were also detected in percentages of 14.7 and 2.7%, respectively. Most of these atypical combinations were found more in buffalo calves than in cattle calves. While STEC and EPEC isolates were detected more in cattle calves than in buffalo calves, ETEC isolates were the same in the two species. The pathogenic E. coli infection in calves was recorded to be higher in the first weeks of life with the largest numbers of virulence factor-positive isolates detected at the age of 4 weeks. Histopathological examination of five intestinal samples collected from four dead buffalo calves revealed typical attaching and effacing (AE) lesion which was correlated with the presence of intimin encoding virulence gene (eae). Other lesions characterized by hemorrhagic enteritis, shortening and fusion of intestinal villi and desquamation of the lining epithelium of intestinal mucosa had also been detected.

Hepatic P53 upregulation and the genotoxic potential of acesulfame-K treatment in rats with a special emphasis on in vitro lymphocyte and macrophage activity testing.

Acesulfame-k (Ace-k) is a widely used artificial sweetener in various products, and long-term cumulative and multisource exposure is possible despite inadequate toxicological data confirming its safety. Ninety male rats were divided into two main groups according to their body weight into immature and mature rats. Each group was subdivided into 3 subgroups: control untreated, 30 and 90 mg/kg b. w of Ace-k via gastric intubation. The treatment was performed daily 5 days per week for 12 weeks. At the end of the experimental period, blood samples were collected for in vitro testing of lymphocyte proliferation rate, comet assay, and macrophage activity about nitric oxide (NO) production. In addition, the collection of liver specimens was performed for P53 gene expression and histopathological evaluation. The results revealed that Ace-k induced modulation in lymphocyte proliferation rate and affected the production of NO by macrophages while increasing in tail moment in a dose-dependent manner that varied among different age groups. The upregulation of P53 in the liver was correlated with increased polyploidization and necro apoptotic reaction and various histopathological hepatic alterations. The present data revealed that chronic treatment of rats with Ace-k affects lymphocyte proliferation and macrophage activity in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, the genotoxic and hepatotoxic potential of Ace-k were confirmed.

Novel insights into immune stress markers associated with myxosporeans gill infection in Nile tilapia (molecular and immunohistochemical studies).

Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is valued in aquaculture because of its quick development and ability to thrive in various environments. Myxosporeans are among the fish parasites that affect fish productivity, as they impact fish growth and reproduction, resulting in large fish deaths in farms and hatcheries. This study has been focused on morpho-molecular identification for the myxosporean parasites infecting Nile tilapia from three governorates in Egypt and assessment of gene expression of different cytokines (Interleukin-1ßeta (IL-1ß), major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC-II), and clusters of differentiation 4 (CD-4) and 8 (CD-8)) in tissues. Additionally, this work aimed to correlate the developed histopathological alterations and inflammatory reactions in gills with immunohistochemical expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Finally, the infected fish's cortisol levels and blood glucose were assessed. Results of BLAST sequence analysis of the 18S rRNA for the collected protozoans confirmed Myxobolus agolus, M. brachysporus, M. tilapiae, and Henneguya species. The molecular characterization of the immunological status of gills revealed marked upregulation of different inflammatory cytokines in the gills of infected fish. There was a significantly increased serum cortisol and glucose level in infected fish compared with control, non-infected ones. Severe histopathological alterations were observed in the infected fish gills, associated with increased expression of iNOS and TNF-α and related to myxosporean infection. The present study provides new insights into oxidative stress biomarkers in Nile tilapia infected with Myxosporeans and elucidates the gill's immune status changes as a portal of entry for protozoa that contribute to tissue damage.

Cerebrolysin potentiates the antidepressant effect of lithium in a rat model of depression.

RATIONALE: Depression is the most prevalent psychiatric disorder worldwide. Although numerous antidepressant treatments are available, there is a serious clinical concern due to their severe side effects and the fact that some depressed patients are resistant to them. Lithium is the drug of choice for bipolar depression and has been used as adjunct therapy with other groups of antidepressants. OBJECTIVES: The present study aims to investigate the effect of lithium augmentation with cerebrolysin on the neurochemical, behavioral and histopathological alterations induced in the reserpine model of depression. METHODS: The animals were divided into control and reserpine-induced model of depression. The model animals were further divided into rat model of depression, rat model treated with lithium, rat model treated with cerebrolysin and rat model treated with a combination of lithium and cerebrolysin. RESULTS: Treatment with lithium, cerebrolysin, or their combination alleviated most of the changes in behavior, oxidative stress parameters, acetylcholinesterase and monoamines in the cortex and hippocampus of the reserpine-induced model of depression. It also improved the alterations in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and histopathology induced by reserpine. CONCLUSIONS: The augmentation of lithium with cerebrolysin showed a clear beneficial effect in the present model of depression suggesting the use of cerebrolysin as an adjuvant in antidepressant treatment.

Bromelain mitigates liver fibrosis via targeting hepatic stellate cells in vitro and in vivo.

Various therapeutic approaches are conducted for regression of liver fibrosis and prevent possible further carcinogenic transformation. This study was aimed to assess the prospective therapeutic potential of bromelain against thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver fibrosis using in-vitro and in vivo approaches. In vitro study, HSC-T6 cell line was used to evaluate the effect of bromelain on HSC-T6 cell viability and apoptosis. In vivo, Rats were treated by TAA for 6 weeks for induction of hepatic fibrosis followed by post treatment by different doses of bromelain and silymarin for further 4 weeks to assess the regression of hepatic fibrosis. The in-vitro findings indicated that bromelain hindered the proliferation of HSCs in concentration dependent manner compared with the untreated cells. The in vivo study revealed that treatment of TAA fibrotic rats with different doses of bromelain and silymarin induced a significant restoration in liver function biomarkers, attenuation of oxidative stress, upregulation of total antioxidant capacity and thereby decline of fibrotic biomarkers and improving histopathological and immunohistochemical changes. In conclusion, This study indicates that bromelain can regress TAA induced hepatic fibrosis in rats via inhibiting HSCs activation, α-SMA expression and the ECM deposition in hepatic tissue in addition to its antioxidants pathway, these findings prove the promising therapeutic potential of bromelain as a novel therapeutic approach for chronic hepatic fibrotic diseases.

Discovery of novel benzofuran-based derivatives as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease: Design, synthesis, biological evaluation, molecular docking and 3D-QSAR investigation.

A series of novel benzofuran-based compounds 7a-s were designed, synthesized, and investigated in vitro as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs). Compounds 7c and 7e displayed promising inhibitory activity with IC50 values of 0.058 and 0.086 µM in comparison to donepezil with an IC50 value of 0.049 µM. The new molecules' antioxidant evaluation revealed that 7c, 7e, 7j, 7n, and 7q produced the strongest DPPH scavenging activity when compared to vitamin C. As it was the most promising AChEI, compound 7c was selected for further biological evaluation. Acute and chronic toxicity studies exhibited that 7c showed no signs of toxicity or adverse events, no significant differences in the blood profile, and an insignificant difference in hepatic enzymes, glucose, urea, creatinine, and albumin levels in the experimental rat group. Furthermore, 7c did not produce histopathological damage to normal liver, kidney, heart, and brain tissues, ameliorated tissue malonaldehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels and reduced the expression levels of the APP and Tau genes in AD rats. Molecular docking results of compounds 7c and 7e showed good binding modes in the active site of the acetylcholinesterase enzyme, which are similar to the native ligand donepezil. 3D-QSAR analysis revealed the importance of the alkyl group in positions 2 and 3 of the phenyl moiety for the activity. Overall, these findings suggested that compound 7c could be deemed a promising candidate for the management of Alzheimer's disease.

Dysregulation of NrF2 expression mediates testicular injury and infertility in 3-monochloro-1,2-propandiol-intoxicated rats with special reference to accessory gland-related pathology.

3-Monochloropropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD) is a food contaminant formed during acid hydrolysis of vegetable proteins. The toxicological evaluation of smaller doses of 3-MCPD is essential for safety evaluation of this compound. The present study investigates the toxicologic potential of 3-MCPD on male genital organs of rats, applies a correlation between the induced infertility and developed lesions in testes, epididymis, and accessory glands and study the possible mechanisms of 3-MCPD-induced male infertility. Forty rats were randomly divided into four main groups of ten animals each: the control untreated group and three treated groups that were orally administered 3-MCPD at different doses (3, 7.5 and 15 mg/kg b.w) daily via stomach intubation for five successive days per week. Five rats from each group were euthanized after 30 days. The remaining rats were euthanized after 90 days to establish subacute and chronic toxicity studies. Oxidative stress markers, Nrf2 gene expression, semen analysis, and histopathological examination were performed at the end of each experimental period. Results indicated that 3-MCPD induces infertility in male rat via disruption of Nrf2 expression in the testicular tissue with subsequent increased oxidative stress indicators in the testis that affect spermatogenesis and induced testicular degeneration, in addition, induction of epididymal lesions that affect sperm motility and concentration and finally possible development of hyperplastic tissue reactions in accessory glands of intoxicated rats predicting the carcinogenic potential of this compound.

Novel lipid-coated mesoporous silica nanoparticles loaded with thymoquinone formulation to increase its bioavailability in the brain and organs of Wistar rats.

AIMS: The Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) is a filter for most medications and blocks their passage into the brain. More effective drug delivery strategies are urgently needed to transport medications into the brain. This study investigated the biodistribution of thymoquinone (TQ) and the effect on enzymatic and non-enzymatic oxidative stress indicators in different brain regions, either in free form or incorporated into nanocarriers as mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs). Lipid bilayer-coated MSNs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MSNs and LB-MSNs were synthesized and characterized using a transmission electron microscope and dynamic light scattering to determine the particle size and zeta potential. TQ encapsulation efficiency and TQ's release profile from LB-MSNs were also examined. The impact of loading LB-MSNs with TQ-on-TQ delivery to different brain areas was examined using chromatographic measurement. Furthermore, nitric oxide, malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione, and catalase were evaluated as oxidant and antioxidant stress biomarkers. KEY FINDINGS: The LB-MSNs formulation successfully transported TQ to several areas of the brain, liver, and kidney, revealing a considerable increase in TQ delivery in the thalamus (81.74%) compared with that in the free TQ group and a considerable reduction in the cortex (-44%). The LB-MSNs formulation had no significant effect on TQ delivery in the cerebellum, striatum, liver, and kidney. SIGNIFICANCE: TQ was redistributed in different brain areas after being encapsulated in LB-MSNs, indicating that LB-MSNs have the potential to be developed as a drug delivery system for selective clinical application of specific brain regions. CONCLUSIONS: LB-MSNs are capable nanoplatforms that can be used to target medications precisely to specific brain regions.

Comparative evaluation of single or combined anticoccidials on performance, antioxidant status, immune response, and intestinal architecture of broiler chickens challenged with mixed Eimeria species.

Poultry production faces several threats and challenges, one of the most important of which is avian coccidiosis which causes annual losses exceeding US$ 3 billion. Discovering new drugs or combinations of existing anticoccidials has become inevitable to overcome the emergence of coccidiosis resistance. This study evaluated a new combination of maduramicin and diclazuril in comparison to the well-known product Maxiban72 which consisted of narasin and nicarbazin, and the single effect of monensin as treatments for avian coccidiosis. A total of 750 1-day-old Indian River broiler chicks were allocated equally into 5 experimental groups with 6 replicates each as follows: 1) negative unchallenged control group (NC) fed the basal diet; 2) positive control group (PC) received the basal diet and inoculated with Eimeria; 3) PC + 100 mg monensin sodium (Atomonsin)/kg diet (MS); 4) PC + 5 mg maduramicin ammonium (Madramycin) + 2.5 mg diclazuril (Atozuril)/kg diet (MMD); and 5) PC + 40 mg narasin + 40 mg nicarbazin (MaxibanT72)/kg diet (NN). Anticoccidials improved (P < 0.01) growth performance, dressing (%) and carcass yield of inoculated birds compared to untreated-inoculated ones. Erythrogram and leukogram parameters were affected by Eimeria challenge. Total protein, globulin, cholesterol, triglycerides, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase levels in PC birds' serum were reduced (P < 0.05) while their values of liver enzymes, malondialdehyde and catalase were elevated (P < 0.01) when compared to NC ones. Serum immunoglobulin A, and jejunal gene expressions of interleukin-6 and interferon gamma were increased (P < 0.05) in PC group compared to NC group. Anticoccidial drugs restored values of the aforementioned biomarkers near to those of NC. Jejunal architecture in inoculated birds was improved by the anticoccidial treatments in MS, MMD, and NN. Fecal oocyst counts were significantly reduced in MMD, NN, and MS groups compared to PC group. Conclusively, although all examined anticoccidial drugs were effective in treating Eimeriosis, the anticoccidial combinations in MMD and NN groups were more effective than the single administration of MS in treating avian coccidiosis.

Metabolic profile and hepatoprotective effect of Aeschynomene elaphroxylon (Guill. & Perr.).

Liver diseases are life-threatening and need urgent medical treatments. Conventional treatment is expensive and toxic, so the urge for nutraceutical hepatoprotective agents is crucial. This study is considered the first metabolic profile of Aeschynomene elaphroxylon (Guill. & Perr.) extracts of; flowers, leaves & bark adopting UPLC-Orbitrap HRMS analysis to determine their bioactive metabolites, and it was designed to investigate the potential hepatoprotective activity of A. elaphroxylon flowers and bark extracts against CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats. Forty-nine compounds of various classes were detected in the three extracts, with triterpenoid saponins as the major detected metabolite. Flowers and bark extracts presented similar chemical profile while leaves extract was quite different. The antioxidant activities of the flowers, leaves & bark extracts were measured by in vitro assays as Fe+3 reducing antioxidant power and Oxygen radical absorbance capacity. It revealed that flowers and bark extracts had relatively high antioxidant activity as compared to leaves extract. Based on the metabolic profile and in vitro antioxidant activity, flowers and bark ethanolic extracts were chosen for alleviation of hepatotoxicity induced by CCl4 in rats. The hepatoprotective activity was studied through measuring hepatotoxicity biomarkers in serum (ALT, AST, and Albumin). Liver tissues were examined histopathologically and their homogenates were used in determining the intracellular levels of oxidative stress biomarkers (MDA, GSH), inflammatory markers (TNF-α). Flowers and bark ethanolic extracts exerted a significant hepatoprotective effect through reduction in the activities of ALT, AST and Albumin, the tested extracts reduced oxidative stress by increasing GSH content and reducing the MDA level. Furthermore, the extracts decreased levels of pro-inflammatory TNF-α. Moreover, the present study revealed the potentiality of A. elaphroxylon in ameliorating the CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats. In this aspect, A. elaphroxylon can be used with other agents as a complementary drug.

Evaluation of hepatocyte-derived microRNA-122 for diagnosis of acute and chronic hepatitis of dogs.

AIM: This study was performed to evaluate the diagnostic value of hepatocyte-derived microRNA (miRNA)-122 in acute and chronic hepatitis of dogs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 26 dogs presented at Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, 16 dogs out of 26 showing clinical signs of hepatic insufficiency were subjected to clinical, ultrasonographic, hematobiochemical and ultrasound-guided fine-needle biopsy for cytological and histopathological investigations. On the basis of these results, 7 dogs out of 16 dogs were found to be suffering from acute hepatitis and 9 dogs suffering from chronic hepatitis. 10 clinically healthy dogs were kept as control. Serum hepatocyte-derived miRNA-122 was analyzed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction in all dogs. RESULTS: The dogs suffering from acute hepatitis manifested jaundice, vomiting, and depression while dogs with chronic hepatitis manifested anorexia, abdominal distension, weight loss, and melena. Hematological parameters showed normocytic normochromic anemia and thrombocytopenia in both acute and chronic hepatitis groups. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and total bilirubin were significantly higher than control values in acute hepatitis. In chronic hepatitis, total protein and albumin were significantly lower than control values with normal ALT, AST, ALP, and gamma-glutamyltransferase values. Ultrasonography revealed a diffuse decrease in hepatic echogenicity in acute hepatitis while the increase in hepatic echogenicity and anechoic ascetic fluid in chronic hepatitis. Cytology revealed hepatic vacuolar degeneration and histopathology revealed necrosis and apoptosis of hepatocyte in acute hepatitis while revealed massive fibrous tissue proliferation in hepatic parenchyma in chronic hepatitis. Serum miRNA-122 analysis, normalized for glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase expression revealed a significant increase in acute hepatitis accompanied with elevation in ALT and AST, while in chronic hepatitis, elevation of serum miRNA-122 was accompanied with ALT and AST of the normal range. CONCLUSION: Serum hepatocyte-derived miRNA-122 is of diagnostic value and highly stable blood indicator for the detection of hepatocellular injury in dogs than aminotransferases, especially in cases where aminotransferases do not exceed normal serum level.

Mandibular mass in a child on hemodialysis.

We here with report a 13-year-old female patient on regular hemodialysis for the past five years who presented with a large mandibular mass. This was detected to be a brown tumor due to severe renal osteodystrophy as a complication of secondary hyperparathyroidism. The tumor did not regress even with intensive treatment with intravenous active vitamin D and needed surgical removal.

Nigella sativa amliorates inflammation and demyelination in the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis-induced Wistar rats.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the major, immune-mediated, demyelinating neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is a well-established animal model of MS. The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective and ameliorative effects of N. sativa seeds (2.8 g/kg body weight) in EAE-induced Wistar rats. EAE-induced rats were divided into: 1- EAE-induced rats ("EAE" group). 2- "N. sativa + EAE" group received daily oral administration of N. sativa 2 weeks prior EAE induction until the end of the experiment. 3- "EAE + N. sativa" group received daily oral administration of N. sativa after the appearance of first clinical signs until the end of the experiment. All animals were decapitated at the 28th day post EAE-induction. EAE was investigated using histopathological, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural examinations in addition to determination of some oxidative stress parameters in the cerebellum and medulla. N. sativa suppressed inflammation observed in EAE-induced rats. In addition, N. sativa enhanced remyelination in the cerebellum. Moreover, N. sativa reduced the expression of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF ß1). N. sativa seeds could provide a promising agent effective in both the protection and treatment of EAE.