Exp Eye Res. 2015 May;134:53-62. doi: 10.1016/j.exer.2015.03.014. Epub 2015 Mar 17.

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester lessens disease symptoms in an experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis mouse model.

Choi JH1, Roh KH1, Oh H2, Park SJ1, Ha SM1, Kang MS3, Lee JH4, Jung SY5, Song H1, Yang JW6, Park S7.

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Abstract

Experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis (EAU) is an autoimmune disease that models human uveitis. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), a phenolic compound isolated from propolis, possesses anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. CAPE demonstrates therapeutic potential in several animal disease models through its ability to inhibit NF-κB activity. To evaluate these therapeutic effects in EAU, we administered CAPE in a model of EAU that develops after immunization with interphotoreceptor retinal-binding protein (IRBP) in B10.RIII and C57BL/6 mice. Importantly, we found that CAPE lessened the severity of EAU symptoms in both mouse strains. Notably, treated mice exhibited a decrease in the ocular infiltration of immune cell populations into the retina; reduced TNF-α, IL-6, and IFN-γ serum levels: and inhibited TNF-α mRNA expression in retinal tissues. Although CAPE failed to inhibit IRBP-specific T cell proliferation, it was sufficient to suppress cytokine, chemokine, and IRBP-specific antibody production. In addition, retinal tissues isolated from CAPE-treated EAU mice revealed a decrease in NF-κB p65 and phospho-IκBα. The data identify CAPE as a potential therapeutic agent for autoimmune uveitis that acts by inhibiting cellular infiltration into the retina, reducing the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokine, and IRBP-specific antibody and blocking NF-κB pathway activation.

Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Comment on ‘Caffeic acid phenethyl ester lessens disease symptoms in an experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis mouse model’ by Choi J.H. et al. [Exp. Eye Res. 134 (2015) 53-62]. [Exp Eye Res. 2015]

PMID: 25795054 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2015.03.014

[PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]

 

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* THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION. THIS IS NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT CURE OR PREVENT ANY DISEASE.