Faculty, Staff and Student Publications
Publication Date
10-1-2025
Journal
Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy
DOI
10.1016/j.biopha.2025.118496
PMID
40896958
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune andneurodegenerative disorder affecting the central nervous system (CNS), characterized by demyelination and neuroinflammatory responses, oxidative stress, and immune dysregulation. The global incidence of MS is rising, demonstrating the necessity for new therapeutic agents against its complex pathophysiology. Carotenoids, naturally pigments with strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and neuroprotective activities, have been recognized as promising candidates to target MS.The antioxidant effect of astaxanthin, lycopene, β-carotene, crocin, and lutein resulted from the deactivation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), preservation of mitochondrial integrity, and prevention of lipid peroxidation. Additionally, carotenoids regulate inflammatory pathways by suppressing NF-κB activation, reducing the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and activating the antioxidant response of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) system. Carotenoids promote an immune balance that drives Th1/Th17 responses toward regulatory T cell (Treg)activity and reduces neuroinflammation and protecting oligodendrocytes necessary for the process of remyelination. Moreover, the role of phytochemicals in maintaining blood-brain barrier integrity and modulating gene expression provides evidence for their therapeutic potential.
Keywords
Humans, Multiple Sclerosis, Carotenoids, Neuroprotective Agents, Animals, Oxidative Stress, Antioxidants, Signal Transduction, Astaxanthin, Carotenoids, Crocin, Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis, Multiple Sclerosis, Nutrition, Th1/Th17 Immune Response, Traditional Persian Medicine
Published Open-Access
yes
Recommended Citation
Nadimi, Elham; Jamal Omidi, Shirin; Ghasemi, Mahshad; et al., "Carotenoids As Neuroprotective Agents in Multiple Sclerosis: Pathways, Mechanisms, and Clinical Prospects" (2025). Faculty, Staff and Student Publications. 3771.
https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/uthmed_docs/3771