Oral Administration of Piperine Ameliorates Experimental Autoimmune Uveitis
Alireza Ghavami1 *, Seyyed Meysam Abtahi Froushani 2 , Aliasghar Tehrani 3
- Department of Immunology and Autoimmune Diseases Research Center, Medical School, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
Abstract: Piperine is a well-known alkaloid compound responsible for the smell and taste of black pepper. This study was conducted in order to evaluate piperine on the experimental model of autoimmune uveitis (EAU).
Methods: Immunization with interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein emulsified in full Freund adjuvant results in the induction of EAU. From day 8 after EAU induction, Lewis rats received piperine (0, 20, 40 and 80 mg/kg-P.O.) or prednisolone (10mg/kg-P.O.) for 18 constitutive days.
Results: Piperine at dose 80 mg/kg regressed the clinical symptoms, nitric oxide level, and increased, and IDO activity in eye homogenates more profound than other doses of piperine. The doses of 40 and 80 mg/kg of piperine were more effective to improve weight gain of EAU rats than the dose of 20 mg/kg. The mRNA expression of IL-10, and TGF-β in the eyes of EAU rats received 80 mg/kg piperine was mounted more favorable than other treatment groups. Treatments led to a significant decrease in the mRNA ratios of T-bet/GATA-3, RORγt/T-bet, RORγt/Foxp3, and RORγt/GATA-3 in the eyes of EAU rats compared to untreated EAU rats. As compared to the treatment groups, the EAU rats treated with 80 mg/kg piperine showed a greater decline in the mRNA ratios of RORγt /Foxp3 expression.
Conclusion: Oral administration of piperine may have a potential clinical application in uveitis.
