The Potential Role of Curcumin Nanoparticles on the Cuprizone Model of Multiple Sclerosis in Mice. Is Remyelination Possible?
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system that primarily affects myelin, leading progressively to disability and neurological dysfunction. Current pharmacological therapies are able only to alleviate symptoms or delay disease progression but fail to stop the pathogenic degeneration. Recently, curcumin nanoparticles (CurNPs) have attracted attention due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, suggesting a potential therapeutic role in neurodegenerative disorders.Aim of the Work: The present study aimed to evaluate the histological changes induced by cuprizone-mediated demyelination in the white matter of mice brains and to explore the potential protective and reparative role of CurNPs in this toxic model.Materials and Methods: Thirty-six adult female black mice were randomly divided into four equal groups (n= 9): control (cuprizone-free diet), cuprizone-fed, acute phase, and chronic phase of motor and behavioral alterations. Neurological and behavioral tests, including rotarod, open field, and passive avoidance, were performed at the fourth and sixth weeks to assess motor performance and long-term memory. Subsequently, detailed histopathological assessment of the brains was conducted.Results: Histological examination in the demyelination group revealed severe loss of myelin within the corpus callosum, while CurNPs-treated groups exhibited remyelinated fibers and evidence of repair. Groups III and IV displayed significantly reduced inflammation and demyelination scores (P<0.05), with group III lower than group IV. Six weeks of cuprizone feeding induced pronounced motor deficits and impaired memory, whereas CurNPs treatment improved both parameters. Biochemically, cuprizone increased MDA levels and reduced SOD activity, while CurNPs markedly enhanced SOD activity compared with the demyelination group.Conclusion: This study demonstrated a significant bioactive role of CurNPs in the cuprizone-induced MS model in mice. CurNPs improved behavioral outcomes, reduced demyelination, and modulated oxidative stress. These findings support CurNPs as a promising therapeutic approach in neurodegenerative diseases, emphasizing the need for further studies to clarify mechanisms and long-term efficacy.
Language: English
Subfield: Molecular Medicine
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7222887347