The therapeutic effects of daphnetin in collagen-induced arthritis involve its regulation of Th17 cells

ObjectivesDaphne odora var. marginata (D. marginata), an aiophyllus arbuscular plant, is one of the traditional Chinese medicines used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. This study investigated the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of daphnetin, an active monomer ingredient derived from D. marginata, on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in rats.MethodsThe effects of daphnetin on joint diseases were assessed by hematoxylin and eosin staining and radiographic and transmission electron microscopy. The protein and mRNA expression levels of T helper (Th)1/Th2/Th17-type cytokines in the spleen were determined by flow cytometry and quantitative real-time PCR.ResultsOur results showed that daphnetin significantly reduced paw swelling and was nontoxic in vivo at the tested doses. Synovial hyperplasia, joint destruction and chondrocyte degeneration in CIA rats were suppressed by daphnetin. Daphnetin treatment also reduced the levels of Th1/Th2/Th17 type cytokines in spleen lymphocytes in CIA rats. Moreover, the expression of Foxp3, which can down-regulate the activity of Th17 cells, was significantly increased in the daphnetin-treated groups.ConclusionsThese results suggest that daphnetin may have therapeutic effects in down-regulating Th17-type responses in CIA rats. The beneficial effects of daphnetin on CIA may be related to its inhibition of Th17 cell priming and activation.     

地塞米松改善胶原性关节炎大鼠免疫功能与其血药浓度的相关性研究

目的研究地塞米松对胶原诱导性关节炎(Collagen induced arthritis,CIA)大鼠炎症和免疫的调节作用。方法32只Wistar大鼠,分为3组,正常组10只、模型组11只,给药组11只。建立CIA模型后,给药组腹腔注射地塞米松(1 mg/kg),每周3次。连续给药4周后,处死并计算脾脏指数、胸腺指数。采用Real-time PCR方法检测脾淋巴细胞炎症因子IL-1β、IL-6、IL-17、TNF-α,转录因子T-bet、GATA3、RORγT、Foxp3mRNA的表达。HPLC法测大鼠地塞米松血药浓度,并将血药浓度与脾脏指数、Th亚型淋巴细胞亚群特异性转录因子做相关性分析。结果腹腔注射地塞米松能显著缓解CIA足爪肿胀、预防踝关节变形,降低脾脏指数、胸腺指数(P<0.01)。PCR结果显示,地塞米松抑制CIA大鼠脾淋巴细胞中炎症因子,并改善Th1/Th2、Th17/Treg的失衡(P<0.05)。HPLC法检测大鼠地塞米松平均血药浓度为0.1738μg/ml。血药浓度与脾脏指数呈负相关,与T-bet、RORγT呈负相关,与GATA3、Foxp3呈正相关。结论地塞米松对CIA大鼠具有强大的抗炎和免疫调节作用。     

来氟米特对胶原性关节炎大鼠CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞的影响

目的:探讨来氟米特对胶原性关节炎中免疫抑制性CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞的作用.方法:II型胶原诱导Wistar大鼠,建立胶原性关节炎模型;检测关节炎大鼠多发性关节炎评分,每周2次;流式细胞仪检测脾淋巴细胞中CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞的比例;RT-PCR检测脾淋巴细胞中Foxp3 mRNA的表达.结果:与模型组比...     

Thymol as a reciprocal regulator of T cell differentiation: Promotion of regulatory T cells and suppression of Th1/Th17 cells

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are critical for maintaining immune response and enhancing their differentiation has therapeutic implications for autoimmune diseases. In this study, we investigated the effects of thymol a well-known monoterpene from Thyme on differentiation and function of Tregs. In vitro generation of Tregs from purified naïve CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells in the presence of thymol was carried out. Suppressor activity of generated Tregs was examined by changes in the proliferation of CFSE-labeled conventional T cells. Thymol promotes differentiation of naïve CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells to CD4⁺CD25⁺Foxp3⁺ Tregs [66.9–71.8% vs. control (47%)] and increased intensity of Foxp3 expression on Tregs (p < 0.01). In functional assay, an increased immune suppression by thymol-induced Tregs (≈2.5 times of untreated Tregs) was detected. For in vivo study, thymol was intraperitoneally administered to ovalbumin (Ova)-immunized mice. Flow cytometry assessment of spleens from thymol-treated Ova-immunized mice showed increased number of CD4⁺ Foxp3⁺ Tregs (>8%, p < 0.01(and decreased levels of CD4⁺T-bet⁺ Th1 and CD4⁺RORγt⁺ Th17 cells resulted in significant decreased Th1/Treg and Th17/Treg ratios. In ex vivo Ova challenge of splenocytes from thymol-treated Ova-immunized mice, similarly higher levels of CD4⁺ Foxp3⁺ Tregs, and also elevated TGF-β expression in CD4⁺Foxp3⁺ population (48.1% vs. 18.9% in untreated Ova-immunized group) and reduced IFN-γ-producing CD4⁺T-bet⁺ T cells and IL-17-producing CD4⁺RORγt⁺ T cells were detected. This led to marked decreased ratios of IFNγ/TGF-β and IL-17/TGF-β expressions. In conclusion, this study revealed thymol as a compound with enhancing effects on Treg differentiation and function, which may have potential benefits in treatment of immune-mediated diseases with Th1/Th17 over-activation.     

SND-117, a sinomenine bivalent alleviates type II collagen-induced arthritis in mice

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic inflammatory disorder that affects about 1% of the population worldwide. RA is mainly manifested by persistent synovitis and progressive joint destruction. The aim of the present study was to examine the anti-arthritis effects of SND-117, a sinomenine bivalent that is obtained from the structure modification of a clinically available anti-RA drug, sinomenine. The arthritis model (CIA) was established by immunizing DBA/1 mice with type II collagen, and the arthritis scores including inflammation, joint destruction and bone erosion were assessed after booster immunization for 3 weeks. The levels of cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α were analyzed by quantitative PCR and ELISA. The TNF-α induced NF-κB activation in fibroblast-like synovial cells (FLSCs) was analyzed by Western blot. SND-117 significantly relieved the inflammatory symptoms of collagen-induced arthritis, reduced bone erosion and joint destruction in CIA mice. The serum levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α of CIA mice were markedly decreased by SND-117. SND-117 also strongly inhibited the phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 in FLSCs upon TNF-α stimulation. These data demonstrated that SND-117 could effectively block the pathogenesis of collagen-induced arthritis in CIA mice via inhibition of NF-κB signaling, and might provide potential clinic benefits in rheumatoid arthritis management.     

A directly GP130-targeting small molecule ameliorates collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) by inhibiting IL-6/GP130 signalling and Th17 differentiation

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease associated with joint inflammation and destruction driven by T helper 17 (Th17) cells. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is secreted by many cell types, including macrophages and synovial fibroblasts. It induces the differentiation and function of Th17 cells that can increase lymphocytic infiltration in the joint. LMT-28 can suppress IL-6 signalling through direct binding to glycoprotein-130 and alleviate inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. The purpose of this study was to assess whether LMT-28 could potently inhibit Th17 differentiation and to determine the mechanism involved in the attenuating effect of LMT-28 on rheumatoid arthritis through the IL-6 signalling pathway. LMT-28 reduced the arthritis score and showed protective effects against bone and cartilage destruction in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mice. In mice with CIA, LMT-28 markedly decreased serum levels of IL-6, TNF and IL-1β compared to vehicle control. Moreover, LMT-28 attenuated Th17 cell activation in lymph nodes of CIA mice. We demonstrated that LMT-28 suppressed differentiation of Th17 in mouse splenocytes and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Additionally, LMT-28 inhibited phosphorylation of GP130, STAT3 and ERK induced by Hyper-IL-6 in human fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS). Collectively, these results suggest that LMT-28 can inhibit differentiated/activated-Th17 cells in rheumatoid arthritis by blocking activation of the STAT3 pathway. LMT-28 can attenuate rheumatoid arthritis by inhibiting differentiation/activation of Th17 cells and suppressing the proliferation and signalling activation of the IL-6/solubleIL-6 receptor complex stimulated FLS.     

热休克蛋白70肽段抑制胶原诱导关节炎小鼠Th17细胞生成

目的:研究HSP70肽段对CIA小鼠Th17细胞的影响,探讨其抑制CIA小鼠炎症损伤的机制。方法:将DBA/1小鼠随机分为HSP70肽段实验组、阴性对照组、结核菌素(PPD)对照组、阳性对照组。除阴性对照组外,其它各组小鼠用牛Ⅱ型胶原蛋白诱导关节炎。通过关节评分和病理改变评价病变程度。取外周淋巴结用流式细胞仪检测Th17细胞的数量,用实时定量PCR检测Th17细胞相关调控因子。结果:注射HSP70肽段的CIA小鼠其Th17细胞数量明显低于阳性对照组和PPD对照组,促进Th17细胞分化发育的相关因子IL-6、IL-23、TGF-β1、RORγt的表达水平低于阳性对照组和PPD对照组(P<0.05)。结论:HSP70肽段可调节Th17细胞分化的调控因子,抑制Th17细胞的分化,进而减轻CIA小鼠的炎症程度。     

薯蓣皂苷对大鼠胶原性关节炎治疗作用的实验研究

目的评价薯蓣皂苷对大鼠胶原性关节炎(collegeninduced arthritis,CIA)的治疗作用并探讨其可能的作用机制。方法于大鼠左后足底皮内注射胶原乳剂制备CIA模型造模两周后灌胃给药14 d,每4天测量1次右后足跖容积。处死后取右后足作病理切片。Western blot法测定踝关节滑膜组织中NF-κBp65亚基和环氧化酶-2蛋白表达。用放射免疫法检测了足爪TNF-α及PGE2含量。结果薯蓣皂苷可抑制CIA大鼠的足趾肿胀,与模型相比差异有显著性;降低足爪TNF-α及PGE2含量;明显降低NF-κBp65亚基和COX-2的水平。结论薯蓣皂苷对CIA大鼠具有较强的抗炎作用,机制可能与抑制NF-κBp65亚基和COX-2的表达有关。     

CXCR3 antagonist AMG487 inhibits glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor-receptor-related protein and inflammatory mediators in CD45 expressing cells in collagen-induced arthritis mouse model

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease classified by uncontrolled joint inflammation leading to the destruction of both cartilage and joints. Despite progress made in RA treatment in the past decade, new drugs with high efficacy and fewer long-term adverse effects are still needed; thus, safe anti-inflammatory therapies for RA are urgently needed. Previous results demonstrated that the CXCR3 antagonist is an extremely attractive therapeutic target for the treatment of several autoimmune diseases, suggesting that it might have an inhibitory effect on RA. In this study, we investigated the effect of AMG487, a selective CXCR3 antagonist, on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in mice and evaluated its potential therapeutic mechanism. Following induction of CIA, mice were treated with AMG487 (5 mg/kg, intraperitoneally), to investigate their protective effects against CIA. CD4, CD25, CCR6, IL-9, NF-κB, IL-6, IL-17A, IL-21, STAT6 and Foxp3 expressing GITR⁺ and CD45⁺ cells were measured in the spleen using flow cytometry to assess anti-inflammatory effects of AMG487. The mRNA and protein expression of GITR, CCR6, IL-9, and IL-21 were measured using quantitative real-time PCR and western blot analysis in knee tissue. AMG487 significantly alleviated joint inflammation by decreasing GITR⁺CD25⁺, GITR⁺CD45⁺, GITR⁺IL-9⁺, GITR⁺NF-κB⁺ CD45⁺CD4⁺, CD45⁺CCR6⁺, CD45⁺IL-6⁺ cells, CD45⁺IL-17A⁺, and CD45⁺IL-21⁺, and increasing GITR⁺Foxp3⁺ and GITR⁺STAT6⁺ cells. There was a significant decrease in mRNA and protein expression of GITR, CD4, CCR6, IL-6, IL-9, and IL-21 in knee tissue of CIA mice. This study demonstrates that AMG487 has a potential therapeutic effect on RA and could explore novel anti-inflammatory therapies for its treatment.     

IL-17+ Foxp3+ T 细胞的研究进展

近来有文献报道复杂的细胞因子环境下, 调节性 T 细胞（regulatory T cells, Tregs）可以转变为表型和功能上酷似 Th17 的新的 T 细胞亚群, 即白细胞介素 （IL） -17 + Foxp3+T 细胞。IL-17 + Foxp3+T 细胞分泌 IL-17 并表达维甲酸受体相关孤儿受体γt（RORγt）, 在免疫系统中表现出双重特性。IL-17 + Foxp3 +T 细胞的发现为理解 Tregs 和 Th17的关系提供了新的思路。本文重点介绍了 IL-17 + Foxp3 +T 细胞的表型特征、 分化来源和多效性功能, 并进一步总结了炎症性疾病和肿瘤微环境中 IL-17+ Foxp3+T 细胞的作用。     

Chebulanin exerts its anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic effects via inhibiting NF-κB and MAPK activation in collagen-induced arthritis mice

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease characterized by synovial inflammation and progressive joint destruction. Chebulanin is a natural polyphenol acid isolated from the traditional Tibetan medicine Terminalia chebula Retz that has previously been reported to possess anti-inflammatory properties. The present study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic effects of chebulanin and explore its underlying mechanisms in vivo and in vitro using a collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mouse model and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated RAW264.7 cell inflammation model. Arthritis severity scores were assessed twice weekly; the levels of cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in serum were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits; histopathological assessment was performed using micro computed tomography and hematoxylin and eosin staining. Activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways were assessed using western blotting. The inhibition of translocation of cytosolic p38 and p65 into the nucleus was observed using immunofluorescence staining and western blotting in vitro. Chebulanin significantly suppressed the progression and development of RA in CIA mice by decreasing the arthritis severity scores, attenuating paw swelling and joint destruction, and reducing the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α significantly (p < 0.05). Furthermore, chebulanin reduced the levels of excised phosphorylated (p)-p38, phosphorylated-c-JUN N-terminal kinase (p-JNK), p-p65 and phosphorylated NF-κB inhibitor alpha (p-IκBα) in CIA mice, but did not affect the level of phosphorylated extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK). In addition, chebulanin could inhibit the nuclear translocation of p38 and p65 in LPS-stimulated macrophages in dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that chebulanin exerts anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic effects by inhibiting the activation of NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways.     

藏党参提取物对胶原诱导性关节炎模型大鼠的影响及机制研究

目的:研究藏党参提取物(以下简称“ZDS”)对胶原诱导性关节炎(CIA)模型大鼠的影响及机制。方法:在48只大鼠中随机选8只作为正常对照组(生理盐水),剩余40只大鼠建立CIA模型。造模成功后,将其随机分为模型组(生理盐水),ZDS低、中、高剂量组(0.44、0.88、1.76 g/kg,以生药量计)和地塞米松组(阳性对照,0.0025 g/kg),每组8只。灌胃给药,灌胃体积为400μL,每天1次,连续28天。分别于给药前(0天)及给药7、14、21、28天后称定大鼠体质量,并进行关节炎指数评分;末次给药后,观察大鼠膝关节滑膜组织病理变化,测定其胸腺指数、脾指数、血清中炎症因子[白细胞介素1β(IL-1β)、肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)、IL-6]水平以及膝关节滑膜组织中核因子κB(NF-κB)p65、磷酸化NF-κB p65(p-NF-κB p65)、NF-κB抑制蛋白(IκB)、磷酸化IκB(p-IκB)蛋白表达水平。结果:与正常对照组比较,模型组大鼠体质量(给药14、21、28天)显著降低(P<0.05),关节炎指数评分(给药前及给药不同时间)显著升高(P<0.05),关节滑膜组织病理损伤明显,胸腺指数、脾指数、炎症因子水平以及p-NF-κB p65、p-IκB蛋白的表达水平均显著升高(P<0.05),IκB蛋白的表达水平显著降低(P<0.05)。与模型组比较,ZDS低剂量组大鼠IL-1β水平显著降低(P<0.05);ZDS中、高剂量组和地塞米松组大鼠的体质量(给药21、28天)均显著增加(P<0.05),关节炎指数评分(给药14、21、28天)均显著降低(P<0.05),关节滑膜组织病理损伤明显减轻,胸腺指数、脾指数、炎症因子水平以及p-NF-κB p65、p-IκB蛋白的表达水平均显著降低(P<0.05),IκB蛋白的表达水平均显著升高(P<0.05)。结论:ZDS对CIA模型大鼠具有一定的改善作用,其机制可能与抑制NF-κB信号通路有关。     

外源性LTB4对CIA小鼠Treg/Th17脾细胞分化的作用

目的探讨外源性白三烯B4(LTB4)对胶原诱导型关节炎(collagen-induced arthritis,CIA)小鼠脾细胞调节性T细胞(Treg)和Th17细胞分化的调节,进一步阐明LTB4在类风湿关节炎(RA)发病中的作用机制。方法建立CIA小鼠模型,取造模d28的脾细胞,体外实验分析外源性LTB4对Treg和Th17细胞分化的影响。应用流式细胞术检测CD4+CD25+Foxp3+细胞的数量,荧光定量PCR技术检测调控Treg和Th17细胞分化的特异性转录因子Foxp3和RORγt的mRNA的表达,酶联免疫吸附(ELISA)方法检测培养细胞上清IL-17的含量。结果成功建立CIA小鼠模型;造模d28分离小鼠脾细胞,体外培养加入鸡Ⅱ型胶原(CⅡ)共同孵育,随着LTB4浓度增加(0.01、0.1、1μmol·L-1),CD4+CD25+Foxp3+细胞数量相应减少,Foxp3 mRNA的表达相应降低;相反,IL-17的含量相应增加,RORγt mRNA的表达相应升高。结论LTB4抑制CIA模型脾细胞Treg细胞的分化,促进Th17细胞的分化,提示LTB4在CIA发病过程中具有一定的促炎活性。     

The natural flavonoid galangin inhibits osteoclastic bone destruction and osteoclastogenesis by suppressing NF-κB in collagen-induced arthritis and bone marrow-derived macrophages

We investigated the effect of galangin, a natural flavonoid, on osteoclastic bone destruction in collagen-induced arthritis and examined the molecular mechanisms by which galangin affects osteoclastogenesis in bone marrow derived macrophages. In mice with collagen-induced arthritis, administration of galangin significantly reduced the arthritis clinical score, edema and severity of disease without toxicity. Interestingly, galangin treatment during a later stage of collagen-induced arthritis, using mice with a higher clinical arthritis score, still significantly slowed the progression of the disease. Extensive cartilage and bone erosive changes as well as synovial inflammation, synovial hyperplasia and pannus formation were dramatically inhibited in arthritic mice treated with galangin. Furthermore, galangin-treated arthritic mice showed a significant reduction in the concentrations of IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-17 . We found that galangin inhibited osteoclastogenic factors and osteoclast formation in bone marrow-derived macrophages and osteoblast co-cultured cells, and increased osteoprotegerin (OPG) levels in osteoblasts. Galangin and NF-κB siRNA suppressed RANKL-induced phosphorylation of the c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), but not AKT and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2). Also, the JNK inhibitor SP600125 and p38 inhibitor SB203580 reduced RANKL-induced expressions of phospho-c-Jun, c-fos and NFATc1 genes during osteoclast development. In addition, galangin suppressed RANKL-induced phosphorylation of NF-κB, phospho-IκBα, inflammatory cytokines and osteoclast formation in bone marrow-derived macrophages. Our data suggest that galangin prevented osteoclastic bone destruction and osteoclastogenesis in osteoclast precursors as well as in collagen-induced arthritis mice without toxicity via attenuation of RANKL-induced activation of JNK, p38 and NF-κB pathways.     

Dynamic Frequency of Blood CD4+CD25+ Regulatory T Cells in Rats with Collagen-induced Arthritis

CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (CD4+CD25+ Tregs) have been shown to play a regulatory or suppressive role in the immune response and are possibly relevant to the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. In the present study, we attempted to investigate the frequency of CD4+CD25+ Tregs in peripheral blood (PB) of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rats during the development of arthritis, to determine whether their frequency is involved in the immunoregulation of this disease. The results showed that normal rats had similar frequencies of CD4+CD25+ Tregs in PB during the experiment time, expressed as a percentage of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T cells among the CD4+ T lymphocyte population. In contrast, the frequency of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T cells in CIA rats was found to change during the development of arthritis. In CIA rats, there is a significant negative correlation between the frequency of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T cells and paw swelling (r=-0.786, p< 0.01). The relationship between the frequency of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T and immune activation was not found in normal rats. During the time course, the frequency of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T was lower in CIA rats than in normal ones. The data suggest that the frequency of PB CD4+CD25+ Tregs may be a promising marker for arthritis activity.     

Therapeutic potential of Oroxylin A in rheumatoid arthritis

Excessive inflammation contributes greatly to the pathogenesis and development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Oroxylin A (OA) is a natural anti-inflammatory flavonoid compound. In this study, we investigated the effects of OA on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) and human RA fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS). CIA was induced in DBA/1 mice and mice were intraperitoneally treated with OA (10 mg/kg) for 10 days. Arthritis severity was evaluated every day and the histopathologic examination of joints was done. Serum levels of anti-collagen II antibodies (anti-CII Abs) and cytokines were determined by ELISA. Frequency of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and Th17 cells in draining inguinal lymph nodes (ILN) was quantified by flow cytometry. FLS from patients with active RA were treated with varying doses of oroxylin A, followed by stimulation with tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α (10 ng/mL). The production of cytokines was measured by ELISA. Signal transduction proteins were examined by western blot. OA significantly diminished the arthritis and histological damage. Serum anti-CII Abs, IL-1β, IL-6, TNFα, and IL-17 were significantly diminished by OA treatment. Analysis of CD4 + T cell populations in OA-treated mice showed an increase in Tregs and reduction in Th17 cells in the ILN. In vitro, OA decreased the secretion of IL-1β and IL-6 from TNFα-stimulated RA FLS in a dose-dependent manner. TNFα-induced p38 MAPK, ERK1/2 and NF-κB signaling pathways were suppressed by OA. Our results indicate that OA exerts an anti-inflammatory activity and may have therapeutic potential for human RA.     

Lariciresinol protects rats from complete Freund's adjuvant induced arthritis in rats via modulation of transforming growth factor-β and nuclear factor kappa B pathway: An in vivo and in silico study

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a severe inflammatory auto-immune disorder affecting millions of people across the globe. The current therapeutic options are not adequate to address the complications of RA. Therefore, the present study was conducted to elucidate the protective effect of lariciresinol, a lignan, against Complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritis in rats. The results of the study showed that lariciresinol improves paw swelling and arthritic scores in rats as compared to CFA rats. Lariciresinol also showed a significant reduction in rheumatoid factor, C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-17, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-3 level with a simultaneous increase in IL-4 level. The burden of oxidative stress was also reduced in CFA rats, as shown by reduced MDA levels and increased SOD and GPx after the administration of lariciresinol. In a Western blot analysis, lariciresinol showed a significant reduction of transforming growth factor-β and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) protein levels in CFA rats. To understand the binding characteristic of lariciresinol with NF-κB, molecular docking analysis was conducted, which showed Larciresinol interacted with the active site of NF-κB. Our study demonstrated the significant protective effect of lariciresinol against RA via multi-target action.     

Crocin exerts anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic effects on type II collagen-induced arthritis in rats

Context: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common systemic auto-immune disease, which is characterized by chronic and symmetry synovial inflammation. Crocin has been reported to exhibit anti-inflammatory effects in animal models.

Objective: This study investigates the anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic effects of crocin on type II collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in Wistar rats.

Materials and methods: The CIA rat model was established and randomly divided into five groups with or without crocin treatment (10, 20 or 40?mg/kg), which was started on day 21 after arthritis induction and persisted for 36 days. The symptoms and molecular mechanisms of CIA and crocin-treated CIA rats were compared and investigated.

Results: CIA rats presented severe RA symptoms, including high arthritis score, paw swelling, joint inflammation, bone erosion, chondrocyte death, cartilage destruction, enhanced expressions of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) and pro-inflammatory cytokines. However, crocin could mitigate these symptoms. Crocin (40?mg/kg) exhibited the most efficient therapeutic function on CIA rats: the histological scores of joint inflammation, bone erosion, chondrocyte death, cartilage surface erosion, and bone erosion of CIA rats receiving 40?mg/kg crocin treatment were comparable to the normal rats. MMP-1, -3 and -13 protein expression levels of CIA rats with 40?mg/kg crocin treatment were decreased to levels similar to normal rats. Moreover, crocin could also inhibit the expression of TNF-α, IL-17, IL-6 and CXCL8 in serum and ankle tissues of CIA rats.

Conclusions: In summary, crocin exhibits therapeutic potential for RA, by mitigating the symptoms and inhibiting the pro-inflammatory factor expression.     

青风藤醇提物与青藤碱治疗胶原诱导关节炎大鼠药效的比较研究

目的:以胶原诱导关节炎大鼠为研究对象,比较青风藤醇提物与青藤碱单体对类风湿性关节炎的疗效。方法:乙醇回流法提取青风藤干燥藤茎中包括青藤碱在内的成分,治疗Ⅱ型胶原酶诱导关节炎大鼠,以青藤碱治疗组为阳性对照组,并设立模型组与对照组,进行关节评分/体重记录,以及实验结束后各组大鼠血清中白介素-17、NF-κB配位体受体活化剂以及可溶性蛋白骨保护素水平测定。结果:青藤碱与青风藤醇提物均能有效缓解胶原诱导的关节肿胀,与模型组相比显著降低关节评分(P<0.05);与模型组相比,青风藤醇提物能够显著降低白介素-17的水平(P<0.05),然而青藤碱组白介素-17与模型组相比无显著差异(P>0.05);青风藤醇提物与青藤碱均能有效提高骨保护素水平(P<0.05);与模型组相比,青藤碱不能有效降低血清中NF-κB配位体受体活化剂水平(P>0.05),然而青风藤醇提物却能显著抑制NF-κB配位体受体活化剂的分泌(P<0.05)。结论:青藤碱能够提高骨保护素水平,而青风藤对NF-κB配位体受体活化剂、白介素-17分泌的抑制作用优于青藤碱,提示青风藤醇提物中可能存在其他青藤碱类似物,亦能发挥抗炎抗骨破坏的作用。