Suppression of the onset and progression of collagen-induced arthritis in rats by QFGJS, a preparation from an anti-arthritic Chinese herbal formula

QFGJS is an herbal preparation, and its pronounced effectiveness in treating adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) has been previously demonstrated. We herein aimed to confirm its anti-arthritic effect on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in rats. CIA was established in female Wistar rats with intradermal injection of type II bovine collagen at the base of the tail of animals. CIA rats were treated daily with oral administration of different doses of QFGJS beginning on the day of the induction of arthritis (day 0, the prophylactic treatment) or on the day after the onset of arthritis (day 13, the therapeutic treatment) until day 30. The results showed that prophylactic treatment with QFGJS significantly suppressed the onset of arthritis, and therapeutic treatment with QFGJS markedly reduced paw swelling and ESR levels even in the established CIA. Radiologic and histopathologic changes in the arthritic joints were also significantly reduced in the QFGJS-treated versus vehicle-treated rats. Moreover, the serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-6 were markedly lowered in the QFGJS-treated rats. Hence, our studies demonstrate the quality, safety, and effectiveness of QFGJS as an anti-arthritic agent, which makes QFGJS a strong candidate for further clinical trials on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.     

京尼平苷对类风湿性关节炎大鼠血清IL-1β和TNF-α的影响

目的:研究京尼平苷对类风湿性关节炎大鼠血清IL1β和TNFα的影响,进一步探讨该药物的作用机制。方法:建立Ⅱ型胶原蛋白诱导大鼠类风湿性关节炎模型。观察京尼平苷对实验性大鼠足肿胀的抑制作用;检测血清IL1β和TNFα的水平。结果:与模型组比较,京尼平苷可以延缓对侧肢体足肿胀发生的时间,抑制大鼠足肿胀的程度(P<0.01);用药后,中、高剂量给药组血清IL1β和TNFα水平明显低于模型组(P<0.01)。结论:京尼平苷在类风湿性关节炎大鼠中可以下调致炎因子IL1β和TNFα的水平,提示这可能与该药抑制实验性类风湿性关节炎病情进展密切相关。     

蕲蛇水提取物对胶原诱导性关节炎大鼠血清TNF-α、IL-6和IL-10的影响

目的:探讨蕲蛇水提取物对胶原诱导性关节炎(CIA)大鼠血清中肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、白介素-6(IL-6)和白介素-10(IL-10)的影响。方法:大鼠随机分为正常对照组,CIA模型组,蕲蛇水提取物高、中、低剂量组,醋酸泼尼松组(PAT)。用牛Ⅱ型胶原诱导大鼠CIA模型。治疗过程中观察大鼠的关节肿胀程度、关节炎指数。治疗21d后处死大鼠,采用ELISA方法观察大鼠血清中的TNF-α、IL-6和IL-10的水平。结果:给药后治疗组能降低大鼠的踝关节肿胀程度,关节炎指数及大鼠血清TNF-α,升高血清中IL-10。结论:蕲蛇可以显著减轻CIA大鼠踝关节肿胀程度和关节炎指数,并且呈剂量—效应相关。蕲蛇水提取物高剂量组可以抑制CIA大鼠异常的自身免疫反应,通过下调血清中TNF-α含量,上调IL-10的含量,调节其免疫状态,达到治疗CIA的作用。     

Anti-inflammatory effect of bee venom on type II collagen-induced arthritis

Bee venom (BV) has been used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation in traditional Oriental medicine, especially in chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We previously reported that the BV injection into a traditional acupuncture point (Zusanli) reduced arthritis-associated edema and nociceptive responses in Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats (Kwon et al., 2001). This study was designed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and anti-cytokine effect of BV on a murine type-II collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model. Male mice were immunized by spontaneous injection of 100 microg of an emulsion of bovine type-II collagen and complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA), with a booster injection after 2 weeks. In the experimental group, 0.1 ml BV was injected at acupuncture point (Zusanli) near both knees twice a week for a total of 5 times. In the control group, normal saline was injected at the same frequencies. These injections began 5 weeks after the first collagen injection. Starting the 3rd week after the first collagen injection, we examined limb swelling and severity of arthritis twice a week. At 8 weeks, mice were sacrificed and synovial tissue was examined with the light microscope and serum cytokines (IL-1beta and TNF-alpha) were measured by ELISA. The incidence of arthritis, the mean arthritis index and the number of arthritic limbs were significantly lower in the treatment compared to the control group (63% versus 75%, 3.4% versus 8.5%, 23% versus 75%, respectively). Among the serum proinflammatory cytokines, the production of TNF-alpha in the BV group was suppressed compared to the control group (59 +/- 4.5 versus 99.5 +/- 6.5, p < 0.05), but IL-1beta was not suppressed. The examination of the histopathology of the joints of murine CIA showed decreased inflammation signs and less lymphocyte infiltration after BV acupuncture therapy. Acupuncture therapy with BV suppressed the development of arthritis and caused inhibition of the immune responses in type-II collagen-induced arthritis.     

Therapeutic effect of tripterine on adjuvant arthritis in rats

AIMS OF THE STUDY: Tripterygium wilfordii Hoog f., a perennial vine, is used in traditional Chinese medicine for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. This study was to determine whether tripterine, isolated from Tripterygium wilfordii Hoog f., had therapeutic effects on adjuvant arthritis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adjuvant arthritis (AA) was induced in rats on day 0. Tripterine 5, 10 and 20 mg kg(-1)day(-1), or prednisone 10 mg kg(-1)day(-1) was given to rats intragastrically from day 19 to day 24. RESULTS: Tripterine significantly inhibited paw swelling and bone destruction in AA rats. Serum level of IgG anti-Mycobacterium tuberculosis antibodies and delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) induced by Mycobacterium tuberculosis were also decreased by tripterine. The effects of tripterine were associated with decreased interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) mRNA expression in ankle joint synovial membrane and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) mRNA expression in homogenized paws from adjuvant-induced arthritic rats. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggested that tripterine had a therapeutic effect on adjuvant arthritis.     

二仙除痹汤对大鼠胶原诱导型关节炎的影响

目的探讨二仙除痹汤对大鼠胶原诱导型关节炎（CIA）的作用及机制。方法取健康Wistar大鼠,随机分为正常组、模型组及二仙除痹汤低、高剂量组,除正常组外其余各组建立大鼠CIA模型。二仙除痹汤低、高剂量组于造模后第7日起分别给予二仙除痹汤8、16 g/kg灌胃,每日1次,连续4周。评估发病率及临床积分,观察关节组织病理形态和放射学改变,检测关节组织匀浆上清和血清中促炎细胞因子白细胞介素（IL）-1β、IL-6、肿瘤坏死因子（TNF）-α以及血清炎症介质前列腺素（PG）E2的含量变化。结果模型组大鼠CIA发病率100%,关节炎最高临床积分8.2,踝关节出现明显的炎症细胞浸润、血管翳形成、软骨和骨破坏等组织病理学变化以及关节间隙狭窄或增宽、关节面虫蚀样破坏等影像学改变,关节和血清中IL-1β、TNF-α、IL-6以及血清PGE2含量明显升高。与模型组相比,二仙除痹汤低、高剂量组可显著降低关节炎的发病率（分别为60%、40%）、临床积分（分别为5.7、3.8）和改善关节组织病理学改变,二仙除痹汤高剂量组还能明显抑制骨破坏程度,降低关节和血清中IL-1β、TNF-α、IL-6及PGE2的含量,二仙除痹汤低剂量组的亦显著抑制血清中IL-1β、IL-6以及关节中IL-6的含量。结论二仙除痹汤能控制大鼠CIA病情的发生发展,其机制可能与对系统和关节局部促炎细胞因子和炎症介质的有效抑制有关。     

Suppressive effects of a water extract of Ulmus davidiana Planch (Ulmaceae) on collagen-induced arthritis in mice

Ulmus davidiana Planch (Ulmaceae) has long been known to have anti-inflammatory and protective effects on damaged tissue, inflammation and bone resorption. Therefore, this study was undertaken to address (1) whether the water extract of the bark of Ulmus davidiana Planch (Ulmaceae) (UD) can modulate the expression of inducible inflammatory cytokines in mice; (2) in order to assess the therapeutic effects of UD in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in mice. DBA/1 mice were immunized with bovine type II collagen. After a second collagen immunization, mice were treated with UD orally at 100mg/kg once a day for 3 weeks. Paws were evaluated macroscopically for redness, swelling and deformities. The levels of TNF-alpha and IL-1beta in the ankle were examined. The severity of arthritis within the knee joints was evaluated by histological assessment of cartilage destruction and pannus formation. Administration of UD significantly suppressed the progression of CIA and inhibited the production of TNF-alpha and IL-1beta in the paws. The erosion of cartilage was dramatically reduced in mouse knees after treatment with UD. In the serum of UD-treated mice, the levels of IL-4 and IL-10, anti-inflammatory cytokines, were increased. From the results, it was concluded that administration of UD has therapeutic effects on CIA including protection of cartilage and RA for a potential therapy.     

川芎嗪对胶原性关节炎大鼠血清IL-1、IL-6、IL-2水平及关节浸液NO、PGE2的影响

目的观察川芎嗪（TMP）对胶原性关节炎（collagen．inducedarthritis,CIA）大鼠血清及关节液中细胞因子和炎症介质的影响,并进一步探讨其对类风湿关节炎治疗的可能机制。方法Ⅱ型胶原诱导大鼠胶原性关节炎模型,造模成功的36只大鼠随机分为模型组、地塞米松组、TMP100mg／kg组及TMP50mg／kg组,每组9只。TMP两组大鼠于造模后第7～35天灌胃给予TMP100和50mg／kg,每天用药1次;地塞米松组肌肉注射给予2mg／kg,每天1次;正常组和模型组静脉注射给予2mL／kg生理盐水,每天1次。观察CIA大鼠足爪肿胀度,用放免法和硝酸还原法检测ClA大鼠血清IL-1、IL．6和IL-2水平及关节浸液一氧化氮（NO）和前列腺素E2（prostaglandin,PGE2）含量。结果与正常组比较,模型组足爪肿胀度明显增加,关节浸液中NO和PGE,含量明显增高,差异有统计学意义（P〈0．01）。与模型组比较,TMP100mg／kg组和地塞米松组足爪肿胀均明显抑制,大鼠血清IL-1和IL-6水平明显降低,IL-2水平明显上升,关节浸液内NO、PGE,含量下降,差异均有统计学意义（P〈0．01）;TMP50mg／kg组足爪肿胀明显抑制（P〈0．01）,其他指标差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。结论TMP100mg／kg对大鼠CIA有明显抑制作用,其机制可能是抑制ClA大鼠内源性细胞因子活性和炎症局部区域相关炎症介质产生,提高抑炎细胞因子含量,诱导炎性细胞因子网络趋于平衡,从而对大鼠ClA发挥治疗作用。     

白花蛇舌草治疗大鼠胶原诱导性关节炎的实验研究

目的探讨白花蛇舌草(HD)对胶原诱导性关节炎(CIA)大鼠模型的抗炎效果及其免疫学机制。方法首先建立Wistar大鼠CIA模型,造模成功后随机分为正常对照组、CIA模型对照组、白花蛇舌草正常量组、白花蛇舌草高剂量组、雷公藤组并给予相应处理。每周观察各给药组的关节炎指数,于第6周处死大鼠检测各组血清的TNF-α、IL-6的水平。结果 HD组大鼠关节炎指数显著降低(P<0.05或0.01);免疫后第6周,2个HD组大鼠血清TNF-α及IL-6的水平较CIA模型组明显降低(P<0.05),与雷公藤组当。结论 HD能够缓解CIA大鼠症状、控制炎症,其机制是抑制TNF-α和IL-6的水平。     

新痹痛灵对胶原诱导性关节炎大鼠及其滑膜组织中HMGB1 mRNA表达的影响

目的:观察新痹痛灵对胶原诱导性关节炎大鼠及其滑膜组织中HMGB1 mRNA的影响。方法:新痹痛灵方中饮片经相关工艺提取后制为浸膏;将SD大鼠72只随机分出12只为正常组,其余进行胶原诱导性关节炎(CIA)造模,再将造模大鼠随机分为模型组,新痹痛灵高、中、低剂量组(3.2,1.6,0.8 g·kg-1·d-1)以及雷公藤多苷片组(0.008 g·kg-1·d-1),各组大鼠于二次免疫后当天开始ig给药,连续给药21 d。容积法测量大鼠关节体积,病理切片观察,RT-q PCR检测滑膜组织HMGB1mRNA的表达。结果:与正常组比较,模型组大鼠关节肿胀明显(P0.01),滑膜组织HMGB1 mRNA的表达明显增加(P0.01);与模型组比较,新痹痛灵高剂量组的关节肿胀于14,21 d明显减轻(P0.05,P0.01),且滑膜组织HMGB1 mRNA的表达明显降低(P0.01)。关节病理切片显示新痹痛灵各剂量组及雷公藤多苷片组病变较模型组均有不同程度减轻。结论:新痹痛灵可减轻CIA大鼠关节肿胀、降低滑膜组织中HMGB1 mRNA的表达,通过抑制HMGB1而减少相关炎症通路的激活可能是新痹痛灵治疗类风湿关节炎的机制之一。     

加味木防己汤抗大鼠实验性关节炎的研究

目的探讨加味木防己汤对大鼠实验性佐剂关节炎（adjuvant arthritis,AA）的作用及其机制。方法应用弗氏完全佐剂注射诱发大鼠产生实验性关节炎,第18天开始给予加味木防己汤灌胃,39天测量AA大鼠体重,脾及胸腺指数,足肿胀度。HE染色观察大鼠踝关节组织病理学变化,ELISA法测定大鼠血清中白细胞介素-1β（IL-1β）,肿瘤坏死N子-α（TNF—α）的含量。结果加味木防己汤能缓解AA病情,使足肿胀度下降,体重及脏器指数改善,关节水肿减轻,淋巴细胞浸润明显减少,滑膜增生受抑制。血清IL-1β,TNF—α的含量明显下降。结论加味木防己汤对AA大鼠的治疗作用,可能与其下调IL-1β,TNF—α的含量有关。     

Therapeutic effects of daphnetin on adjuvant-induced arthritic rats

AIM OF THIS STUDY: Daphnetin was regarded as the mark compound for quality control of Zushima-Pian, a traditional Chinese medicine tablet for treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, no in vivo study on the therapeutic effects of daphnetin for RA has been reported. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The adjuvant arthritic (AA) rat model was developed to evaluate the anti-arthritic effects of daphnetin. After immunized with Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA), the rats were treated with daphnetin (2.25 and 4.5mg/kg) for three weeks. We determined the change of secondary paw swelling and the arthritis scores of these tested rats. The severity of arthritis in the knee joints was evaluated by histological assessment of cartilage destruction. The levels of IL-1, TNF-alpha and MIF in the serum were measured by ELISA. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that daphnetin significantly reduced paw swelling and decreased the arthritis scores. The pathological examination demonstrated that articular cartilage degeneration with synovial hyperplasia and inflammatory cells infiltration in AA rats were suppressed by daphnetin. There was significant reduction in production of interleukin-1 (IL-1), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) and macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) in serum of AA rats treated with daphnetin except the low dose group (2.25mg/kg) on TNF-alpha. In conclusion, we demonstrates that daphnetin is highly effective on preventing and suppressing the development and progression of adjuvant-induced arthritis and provides direct evidences that daphnetin is one of the active principle of Zushima-Pian for treating rheumatoid arthritis.     

Suppressive effects of Chelidonium majus methanol extract in knee joint, regional lymph nodes, and spleen on collagen-induced arthritis in mice

Chelidonium majus L. has multiple applications in Korean traditional medicine because of its anti-tumoral, cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial activities and has long been known to have anti-inflammatory effects. However, no study on the anti-arthritic activity of Chelidonium majus has been reported in vivo. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease with chronic inflammation characterized by hyperplasia of synovial cells in affected joints, which ultimately leads to the destruction of cartilage and bone. Cytokine production and gene expression were assessed during CIA (collagen-induced arthritis) model mice in knee joint, lymph node (LN), and spleen, using ELISA and competitive RT-PCR. DBA/1J mice were immunized with bovine type II collagen. After a second collagen immunization, mice were treated with CME orally at 400, 40mg/kg once a day for 4 weeks. The severity of arthritis within the knee joints was evaluated by histological assessment of cartilage destruction and pannus formation. Administration of CME significantly suppressed the progression of CIA and inhibited the production of TNF-alpha and IL-6 in spleen and lymph node. The erosion of cartilage was dramatically reduced in mouse knees after treatment with CME. In conclusion, our results demonstrates that CME significantly suppressed the progression of CIA and that this action was characterized by the decreased production of TNF-alpha, IL-6, IFN-gamma, B cells, gammadelta T cells (in spleen) and increased proportion of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells in vivo. In the serum of CME-treated mice, the levels of IgG and IgM RA factor were decreased.     

寒痹康汤对实验性关节炎大鼠血清IL-6 NO的影响

目的:观察寒痹康汤对实验性关节炎大鼠的血清白介素-6(IL-6)、一氧化氮(NO)的影响,探讨寒痹康汤治疗类风湿关节炎的作用机理。方法:采用牛II型胶原蛋白诱导实验性关节炎模型,以甲氨蝶呤作对照,观察大鼠的关节肿胀指数的变化,采用放射免疫法检测各组大鼠血清IL-6、NO水平。结果:寒痹康汤能显著减轻大鼠关节肿胀指数、显著降低大鼠血清IL-6、NO水平。结论:寒痹康汤能下调实验性关节炎大鼠血清IL-6、NO的水平,其作用与甲氨蝶呤相当,是其治疗类风湿关节炎的作用机理之一。     

断藤益母汤对胶原诱导性关节炎小鼠的治疗作用及对血清IL-1β和MMP-1表达影响

目的探讨断藤益母汤对类风湿关节炎的治疗作用及可能的作用机制。方法取SPF级DBA/1雄性小鼠48只,随机分为空白对照组、模型组、甲氨蝶呤组,断藤益母汤高剂量组、断藤益母汤中剂量组、断藤益母汤低剂量组,除空白组外,其它组建立胶原诱导性关节炎(CIA)小鼠模型,所有小鼠连续灌胃28 d,观察各组小鼠足肿胀度变化,记录小鼠关节炎评分,检测小鼠血清白细胞介素-1β(IL-1β)及基质金属蛋白酶-1(MMP-1)的水平,用苏木素伊红(HE)染色法观察小鼠足踝关节滑膜病理改变。结果与模型组小鼠比较,甲氨蝶呤组及断藤益母汤不同剂量组小鼠的足肿胀度均明显降低,足关节炎评分下降,病理显示用药组小鼠踝关节病理炎性细胞浸润少,滑膜增生明显减少,软骨及骨侵蚀减弱,病理评分降低(P<0.05),血清IL-1β、MMP-1炎症因子水平对比模型组明显下降(P<0.05),其中断藤益母汤高剂量组显示更好的治疗效果。结论断藤益母汤对CIA模型小鼠关节炎症有良好治疗效果,可能是与降低血清IL-1β、MMP-1的水平有关。     

Wen Luo Yin inhibits angiogenesis in collagen-induced arthritis rat model and in vitro

Ethnopharmacological relevance and aim of the study

Wen Luo Yin (WLY) is a traditional Chinese formula, which has the traditional use of scattering cold pathogen, draining dampness, freeing the flow of network vessels and relieving pains. It is extensively used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients for more than 2000 years, but its actions on angiogenesis of RA have not been clarified. The present study aims to determine the anti-angiogenic activity of WLY on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rat model and in human fibroblast-like synoviocytes of RA (HFLS-RA) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC).

Materials and methods

For in vivo experiment, arthritis was induced by immunization with bovine II collagen in DA rats. Treatment with WLY (3.45, 6.9, 13.8 g/kg, p.o., daily), or vehicle began from day 1 to day 28 of first immunization. The arthritis score, arthritis incidence, microfocal computed tomography analysis and histopathology evaluation of inflamed joints were assessed. Angiogenesis was measured by synovial vessel density with immunohistochemistry and histomorphometric analysis in synovial membrane tissues of joints. For in vitro experiments, HFLS-RA and HUVEC were used. Assays to determine HFLS-RA migration and adhesion were performed in the presence of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)₁₆₅ or interleukin (IL)-1β and/or the WLY (8, 16, 32 mg/ml). Angiogenesis was assessed by measuring the migration, adhesion, and tube formation of HUVEC. Further the effect of treatment with WLY on expression levels of angiogenic activators in sera of CIA rats and in IL-1β-induced HFLS-RA were evaluated by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

WLY significantly decreased the arthritis score and arthritis incidence, and inhibited inflammation, pannus formation, cartilage and bone destruction of inflamed joints in CIA rats. More interestingly, doses of 3.45–13.8 g/kg WLY could markedly reduce the capillaries, small, medium and large vessel density in synovial membrane tissues of inflamed joints. Moreover, WLY suppressed the VEGF-induced chemotactic migration of HFLS-RA and HUVEC, and inhibited matrigel-induced cell adhesion of them. It also disrupted tube formation of HUVEC on matrigel. Furthermore, WLY significantly reduced the expression of angiogenic activators including tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-1β, IL-17, VEGF, VEGFR, angiopoietin (Ang)-1, Ang-2 and Ang-2 receptor in sera of CIA rats and/or in IL-1β-induced HFLS-RA/HUVEC.

Conclusions

Our data suggest for the first time that WLY posses the anti-angiogenic effect in RA both in vivo and in vitro by downregulating angiogenic activators.     

白芍总苷对大鼠胶原性关节炎及其免疫功能的影响

 目的研究白芍总苷(TGP)对大鼠胶原性关节炎(CIA)及其免疫功能的影响。方法采用鸡Ⅱ型胶原诱导大鼠CIA模型,关节评分法检测关节炎发生情况,ELSIA法检测大鼠血清中抗CⅡ抗体的水平,MTT法检测T细胞和B细胞增殖反应,IL-1、IL-2活性的测定采用小鼠淋巴细胞增殖法。结果大鼠于致炎后第14天开始出现多发性关节炎症状,体重减轻,血清中抗CⅡ抗体水平升高,TGPig给药,连续14d,能够明显抑制CIA大鼠的AI,促进大鼠体重的恢复,降低血清中抗CⅡ抗体水平。进一步研究表明,TGP体内、外给药均能抑制CIA大鼠增高的T、B淋巴细胞增殖反应,还能显著降低刀豆蛋白A(ConA)诱导的CIA大鼠脾淋巴细胞产生IL-2的能力以及脂多糖(LPS)诱导的腹腔巨噬细胞产生IL-1的能力。结论TGP对CIA大鼠具有治疗作用,其机制可能与其调节CIA大鼠异常的免疫功能,平衡细胞因子的产生有关。     

金铁锁总皂苷抗类风湿性关节炎作用及其作用机制研究

目的:考察金铁锁总皂苷(TSPT)抗类风湿性关节炎(RA)的药理作用及作用机制。方法:建立佐剂性关节炎(AA)动物模型,观察TSPT对AA大鼠足肿胀、关节炎指数及炎性组织液中促炎细胞因子IL-1β,TNF-α水平的影响。结果:TSPT能有效抑制关节肿胀率及关节指数,降低AA大鼠炎性组织液中促炎细胞因子L-1β,TNF-α的水平。结论:TSPT具有良好的抗RA作用,其作用机制与抑制促炎细胞因子L-1β,TNF-α的水平有关。