Niaspan treatment improves neurological functional recovery in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis mice

We investigated the treatment of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in mice with Niaspan, an agent used to elevate high-density lipoprotein (HDL). EAE mice were treated with Niaspan starting on the immunization or clinical onset day. Neurological functional recovery was significantly increased in the Niaspan treated mice (100 mg/kgbw) compared to the controls. Inflammatory infiltrates were significantly reduced in the Niaspan treatment group compared to the EAE controls. HDL level, intact myelin area, newly formed oligodendrocytes, regenerating axons, gene and protein levels of sonic hedgehog (Shh)/Gli1 were significantly increased in the Niaspan treated mice compared to EAE controls. These data indicate that Niaspan treatment improved functional recovery after EAE, possibly, via reducing inflammatory infiltrates and demyelination areas, and stimulating oligodendrogenesis and axonal regeneration. Niaspan-mediated activation of Shh/Gli1 pathway may promote functional recovery post-EAE. (C) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.