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Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological autoimmune disorder of the central nervous system (CNS), characterized by recurrent episodes of inflammatory demyelination and consequent axonal deterioration. The hallmark of the disease is the demyelinated plaque, a hypocellular area characterized by formation of astrocytic scars and infiltration of mononuclear cells. Recent studies have revealed that both innate and adaptive immune cells contribute to the pathogenesis of MS and its experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model. Here, we review the current understanding of the role of mast cells in the pathogenesis of MS and EAE. Mast cells may act at the early stage that promote demyelination through interactions among mast cells, neurons, and other immune cells to mediate neuroinflammation. Studies from EAE model suggest that mast cells regulate adaptive autoimmune responses, present myelin antigens to T cells, disrupt the blood-brain barrier, and permit the entry of inflammatory cells and mediators into the CNS. Depletion or limiting mast cells could be a new promising therapeutic target for MS and EAE.

We aimed at improving probiotic survival, stability and release in digestive settings during yogurt storage. Alginate-basil seed mucilage was formulated with various concentrations of prebiotics (inulin, fructooligosaccharides and fenugreek) and selected for microencapsulation. When compared with uncapsulated probiotic cells, all examined formulations had high encapsulation effectiveness of over 98.2% and a viable potential probiotic cell survival (62%) when studied under simulated settings. These findings indicate the use of home-grown-based gums such as basil seed adhesive and fenugreek in combination with alginate are good media for probiotic encapsulation.

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