rivaroxaban and Multiple-Sclerosis

Recent studies have implicated an important role for coagulation factors in neuroinflammatory disorders like multiple sclerosis (MS). Here, we investigate the role of factor X (FX) in neuroinflammation by using rivaroxaban the selective inhibitor of activated FX (FXa) in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE, an animal model of MS). Rivaroxaban-treated rats were less susceptible to EAE compared to the untreated control group. This finding was accompanied by reduced T-cell infiltration and microglia activation. Our study identifies FX as a possible target in neuroinflammatory diseases. As FXa inhibitors are approved for other disorders, FXa blockade could serve as a fast available medication.

Topics: Analysis of Variance; Animals; Antigens, CD; Calcium-Binding Proteins; Disease Models, Animal; Factor Xa Inhibitors; Female; Forkhead Transcription Factors; Inflammation; Lymph Nodes; Microfilament Proteins; Multiple Sclerosis; Rats; Rats, Inbred Lew; Rivaroxaban; Spinal Cord