Apigenin exerts its inflammatory properties by mediating the inhibition of the proliferation of interferon gamma-secreting Th1 cells. The acetylated version of apigenin-3-acetate exhibits comparative immunomodulatory outcomes compared to methyl-prednisolone-acetate and apigenin.
Despite advancements in the treatment modalities for multiple sclerosis (MS), the associated morbidity remains high. A study published in Cell Journal evaluated the immunomodulatory role of apigenin (API) against peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) derived from patients with MS and also compared the anti-inflammatory activity of apigenin 3-acetate with methyl-prednisolone-acetate and Api in the treatment of MS. It was concluded that Api, methyl-prednisolone-acetate, and apigenin-3-acetate significantly inhibited gene expressions of T-box transcription factor (T-bex) and interferon-γ (IFN- γ) and proliferation of Th1 cells.Â
Study Participant Characteristics
This experiment isolated PBMCs from 5 MS patients and 3 healthy volunteers. The Expanded Disability Status Scale score of MS patients was estimated to be < 3. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of methyl-prednisolone-acetate and apigenin 3-acetate was found to be 2.5 µM and 80 µM, respectively.
Apoptotic Effects on Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells Â
There were no significant differences in the outcomes related to necrosis and early and late apoptosis of PBMCs derived from MS patients when the cells were treated with methyl-prednisolone-acetate, apigenin-3-acetate, and apigenin when compared with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO).
Reduction in Th2 Cell Proliferation
The PBMCs derived from patients newly diagnosed with MS were treated with apigenin 3-acetate, apigenin, and methyl-prednisolone-acetate. Flow cytometric analysis demonstrated that apigenin 3-acetate, apigenin, and methyl-prednisolone-acetate reduced Th1 cell proliferation to approximately 41%, 26%, and 33%, respectively, when compared to the inhibition of Th1 cell proliferation by dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO).
Gene Expressions of T-Bet and IFN-γ
Apigenin 3-acetate, apigenin, and methyl-prednisolone-acetate significantly downregulated T-box transcription factor (T-bet) and IFN-γ gene expressions in the Th1 cells. The reduction in the expression of IFN-γ was more pronounced for apigenin-3-acetate. There were no significant differences across the three treatment options for the gene expression of T-bet.
The study concluded that Api inhibits the proliferation of Th1 cells and suppresses T-bet and IFN-γ gene expressions. These properties are comparable to the therapeutic potential of apigenin-3-acetate and the standard treatment with methyl-prednisolone-acetate.
Source
Kasiri, N., Ghannadian, S. M., Hosseini, R., Ahmadi, L., Rahmati, M., Ashtari, F., Pourazar, A., & Eskandari, N. (2023). Comparative Analysis of Apigenin-3 Acetate versus Apigenin and Methyl-Prednisolone in Inhibiting Proliferation and Gene Expression of Th1 Cells in Multiple Sclerosis. Cell Journal (Yakhteh), 25(5), 307–316. https://doi.org/10.22074/cellj.2023.1971743.1154Â