Synergistic effects of interleukin-1β and interleukin-17A antibodies on collagen-induced arthritis mouse model

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease that mainly causes the synovial joint inflammation and cartilage destruction. Both interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and Interleukin-17 (IL-17) are important proinflammatory cytokines involved in the pathogenesis of RA. We investigated whether combination therapy with IL-1β and IL-17A antibodies would generate the potential for synergistic effects on a collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mouse model. Mice with CIA were subcutaneously injected with humanized IL-1β antibody, IL-17A antibody, or combination treatment. The effects of treatment were determined by arthritis severity score, histological damage and bone destruction, autoreactive humoral and cellular immune responses and cytokine production. Treatment with IL-1β antibody or IL-17A antibody alone resulted in beneficial effects on clinical and histological parameters of CIA mice. Compared with the single antibody treatments, the combination therapy resulted in a more significant effect in alleviating the severity of arthritis by preventing bone damage and cartilage destruction, reducing humoral and cellular immune responses, and down-regulating the expression of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17A, IFN-γ, RANKL and MMP-3 in inflammatory tissue. In conclusion, combination treatment with humanized IL-1β and IL-17A antibodies demonstrates synergistic beneficial effects for preventing joint inflammation and cartilage destruction and bone damage in CIA mice model. These studies also provide evidence that combination with IL-1β and IL-17A antibodies may lead to a new combinatorial therapy for RA patients.     

甲氨蝶呤对炎性细胞因子及丝裂原活化蛋白激酶信号通路的影响

目的：探讨甲氨蝶呤（methotrexate,MTX）对类风湿关节炎（RA）发病起重要作用的炎性细胞因子IL-1β和TNF-α的作用及其可能的机制.方法：用Ⅱ型胶原建立类风湿关节炎（CIA）动物模型,以MTX（0.2 mg/kg/W）进行处理,6周后处死大鼠,取血清进行IL-1β和TNF-α检测;分离大鼠膝关节取关节滑膜细胞（FLS）进行培养、鉴定,检测脂多糖（LPS）诱导的FLS培养上清中IL-1β和TNF-α的含量,并观察MTX对FLS分泌IL-1β和TNF-α的影响;在FLS的培养中加入不同剂量的MTX,用Westen Blot方法检测FLS中ERK蛋白及磷酸化蛋白的表达.结果：关节炎指数评分、关节肿胀度测定及关节病理显示造模成功,分离关节滑膜细胞经流式细胞仪检测FLS的血管细胞黏附分子-1（VCAM-1）的表达为85.5％.造模后,CIA大鼠血清IL-1β和TNF-α明显增加,与空白对照组比较有统计学差异（P＜0.05）,MTX能有效减少CIA大鼠血清中IL-1β和TNF-α的含量（P＜0.05）,但未能恢复至正常水平.MTX能抑制LPS诱导的CIA大鼠关节FLS分泌IL-1β和TNF-α.Western Blot检测显示,不同浓度的MTX对CIA大鼠FLS中ERK蛋白的表达与模型对照组相比无统计学差异（P＞0.05）.CIA大鼠FLS中p-ERK蛋白的表达明显高于空白对照组（P＜0.01）,MTX干预后,低剂量组对p-ERK蛋白表达无明显影响,而中、高剂量组可降低p-ERK蛋白的表达（P＜0.05）.结论：MTX既有免疫抑制作用,同时还通过抑制炎性细胞因子IL-1β和TNF-α而具有抗炎作用,其机制可能部分与其抑制MAPK信号通路中的ERK蛋白磷酸化有关.     

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.     

实验性关节炎大鼠滑膜组织核因子-κB基质金属蛋白酶-9表达相关性分析

目的观察核因子κB(NF-κB)、基质金属蛋白酶(MMP)-9在实验性关节炎(CIA)和对照组大鼠滑膜组织中不同时间点的表达差异及其血浆中肿瘤坏死因子(TNF)-α、白细胞介素(IL)-1β的含量变化,探讨这些细胞因子在CIA发病中的作用机制,为类风湿关节炎(RA)今后的治疗提供理论依椐。方法将42只雄性Wistar大鼠随机分为模型组和对照组,通过免疫组织化学的方法检测各组大鼠不同时期滑膜组织NF-κB、MMP-9的表达水平,用放射免疫法(RIA)测定TNF-α、IL-1β的血浆含量,同时观察其发病时间与关节炎指数(AI)积分、病理评分及上述细胞因子之间的关系。结果随着CIA大鼠发病时间延长,AI和病理评分逐渐增加,NF-κB、MMP-9表达水平和TNF-α、IL-1β血浆含量也随之增加。CIA大鼠这些细胞因子的测定值都显著高于对照组(P<0.01),AI、病理评分与NF-κB、MMP-9呈正相关关系(P<0.05);CIA大鼠滑膜组织NF-κB、MMP-9表达水平之间呈正相关(P<0.05),而且它们的表达水平与IL-1β、TNF-α血浆含量之间亦呈正相关(P<0.05)。结论通过与TNF-α和IL-1β相互作用,滑膜组织中NF-κB、MMP-9的表达之间可能互相影响、互相促进,形成正反馈式的损坏机制,在CIA大鼠病情进展中起着重要作用,可能是RA发生发展以及骨质侵蚀的关键因子。     

Suppressive effect of Dai-bofu-to on collagen-induced arthritis

Dai-bofu-to (DBT) is a traditional Japanese herbal medicine (Kampo medicine) used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In the present study, to establish the usefulness of DBT, we examined the effect of DBT on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). DBT (1.72 g/kg/d) significantly reduced the severity of arthritis throughout the experiment and significantly delayed the onset of arthritis. The induction of CIA decreased T cells and increased B cells in popliteal lymph nodes close to the affected joints, while the treatment of CIA with DBT counteracted the changes in T and B cells. In pX transgenic mice as a spontaneously developed arthritis model, a decrease in T cells and increase in B cells in popliteal lymph nodes were observed, as compared to BALB/c mice, the littermates of pX transgenic mice. In contrast, DBT returned the cell number of T and B cells to the level of BALB/c mice. As osteoclastogenesis is regulated by some T cell cytokines and osteotropic factors, we examined the effect of DBT on the receptor activator of NF-kappa B (RANK), RANK ligand (RANKL), osteoprotegerin (OPG) and M-CSF mRNAs, which were induced by arthritis induction. Although DBT had no effect on RNAK or RANKL mRNA levels, DBT stimulated an increase in OPG mRNA levels and suppressed an increase in M-CSF mRNA level. These results suggest that DBT may possess an anti-osteoclastogenetic effect, which is brought by reducing the ratio of RANKL/OPG and by decreasing M-CSF mRNA levels. In conclusion, immunomodulatory and anti-osteoclastogenetic effects might be involved in the suppression of arthritis by DBT.     

吡格列酮可抑制胶原诱导性关节炎大鼠的骨吸收

目的探讨吡格列酮是否可抑制胶原诱导性关节炎(CIA)大鼠的炎症性骨吸收。方法分别用肿瘤坏死因子(TNFα)拮抗剂(注射用重组人Ⅱ型肿瘤坏死因子受体抗体融合蛋白,TNFR Ⅱ-Fc)腹腔注射,低、中、高剂量(3、10、30mg.kg-1.d-1)吡格列酮灌胃治疗CIA大鼠3周。比较各治疗组与正常对照组、模型对照组的病理差异、骨代谢指标——骨保护素(OPG)、核因子κB受体活化因子配体(RANKL)及TNFα的蛋白水平差别。用酶联免疫吸附法(ELISA)、免疫组织化学、蛋白印迹法等方法检测OPG、RANKL及TNFα的蛋白表达。结果模型对照组后踝关节炎性细胞浸润、滑膜组织增生及软骨不同程度破坏;各治疗组关节炎症和滑膜增生不同程度改善,无软骨及骨破坏。相比模型对照组,各治疗组血清及软骨中OPG水平明显增高,而血清中TNFα及软骨中RANKL水平明显降低(P<0.05)。相比低剂量吡格列酮治疗组,高剂量吡格列酮治疗组OPG水平较高,而TNFα及RANKL水平较低(P<0.05)。相比TNFα拮抗剂治疗组,高剂量吡格列酮治疗组软骨中OPG水平较高,而RANKL水平较低(P<0.05)。结论吡格列酮可通过下调CIA大鼠血清中的TNFα及关节软骨中的RANKL,上调关节软骨、滑膜及血清中OPG的蛋白表达,起到抑制CIA大鼠的炎症性骨吸收的作用;并且有随剂量增大而增强的趋势,高剂量吡格列酮治疗时此作用可能稍强于TNFRⅡFc。     

骨桥蛋白在类风湿性关节炎中的作用

类风湿性关节炎(rheumatoid arthritis,RA)是一种病因不明的慢性进行性多关节炎症为特征的全身性自身免疫性疾病,由于其机制目前尚未完全阐明,临床缺乏有效的治疗方法。骨桥蛋白(osteopontin,OPN)在RA病人的关节液中明显升高,在自身免疫性疾病中发挥重要作用。动物实验发现OPN基因缺陷小鼠具有明显的抵抗胶原诱发关节炎(col-lagen-induced arthritis,CIA)的能力。该文对OPN的研究新进展及其在类风湿性关节炎中的作用作一综述,以增进对OPN生物学功能及其病理作用的了解。     

The Efficacy and Mechanism Action of RvCSd,a New Herbal Agent,on Immune Suppression and Cartilage Protection in a Mouse Model of Rheumatoid Arthritis

The aim of the present study is to investigate the potential therapeutic action of RvCSd, an oriental herbal mixture, in an experimental model of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). DBA/1J mice were immunized with type II collagen. After a second collagen immunization, mice were treated with RvCSd or methotrexate (MTX) orally once a day for 35 days, and the incidence, clinical score, and joint histopathology were evaluated. The inflammatory response cytokines and cartilage protection effect were determined by measuring the levels in the joints and sera. The Th1/Th2-mediated auto-reactive response was evaluated by determining the proliferative response and cytokines of drained spleen cells stimulated with type II collagen. RvCSd treatment significantly reduced the incidence and severity of CIA, markedly abrogating joint swelling, synovial hyperplasia, and cartilage destruction. RvCSd significantly inhibited the production of interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and IL-6, IL-2, interferon (IFN)-γ, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-1 and up-regulated anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4, IL-10, and metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 in mice with CIA. In conclusion, RvCSd has therapeutic effects exerted through inhibition of inflammatory and Th1 responses, regulation of MMP/TIMP, and induction of regulatory T cells in CIA; these effects make RvCSd an outstanding candidate for use as an immune suppressive and cartilage protective medicine in RA patients.     

洛伐他汀对胶原性关节炎大鼠血清细胞因子的影响

 目的：以胶原诱导性关节炎（CIA）大鼠为模型,观察洛伐他汀对CIA大鼠血清细胞因子的影响,为探索炎性关节炎新的治疗药物提供理论基础。方法：利用牛II型胶原建立Wistar大鼠CIA模型,造模成功后随机分为空白对照组、CIA模型组、布洛芬组、甲氨蝶呤（MTX）组和洛伐他汀组。分别在第2周和第5周时用ELISA方法检测各组大鼠血清的肿瘤坏死因子α（TNF-α）、白介素6（IL-6）、白介素8（IL-8）和干扰素诱生蛋白-10（IP-10）的水平;用实时荧光定量PCR方法检测第5周时大鼠白介素1β（IL-1β）和白介素17（IL-17） mRNA的表达量。结果：免疫后第5周,洛伐他汀组、布洛芬组和MTX组大鼠的血清TNF-α, IL-6和IP-10的水平显著低于CIA组,而洛伐他汀组和MTX组的IL-8水平与CIA组大鼠无显著差异。洛伐他汀组和MTX组的IL-1β和IL-17 mRNA的表达量显著低于CIA组。结论：洛伐他汀能抑制TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-17和IP-10的水平。     

Naltrexone (NTX) relieves inflammation in the collagen-induced- arthritis (CIA) rat models through regulating TLR4/NFκB signaling pathway

ObjectiveOur aim was to study the efficacy and mechanism by which NTX alleviate arthritis in CIA rat models in vivo.MethodsFemale Wistar rats were randomly divided into 6 groups, their weights were observed and the severity of arthritis and pathological changes were evaluated by HE staining. T lymphocyte subsets were detected by flow cytometry. The expression of cytokines was detected in peripheral serum by ELISA. Real time PCR, immunohistochemical staining and western blot analysis were utilized to detect the mRNA and protein expression of opioid receptors, TLR4, RANKL and /NF-κB in synovial tissue and the spleen.ResultsThe weight of the rats in the 10 mg/kg NTX group decreased the least, and had the least severe arthritis. CD4⁺ T cells, Th1 cells and Treg cells increased, and CD8⁺T cells, Th1 cells and Th17 cells decreased in the splenic lymphocytes. The expression of proinflammatory cytokines decreased, and the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines increased. MOR and DOR were strongly expressed in the spleen, whereas KOR and DOR were strongly expressed in synovial tissue. The expression of TLR4, NF-κB and RANKL was reduced in the spleen and synovium in the NTX group.ConclusionsNTX relieved the severity of arthritis in the CIA rat models at a concentration of 10 mg/kg by regulating T lymphocyte subsets and the expression of cytokines. NTX affected opioid receptors to inhibit the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway, regulating the systemic immune response and decreasing osteoclast differentiation, thereby alleviating inflammation and the erosion of articular cartilage along with bone tissue.     

条件性免疫反应治疗胶原性关节炎的免疫学机制探讨

目的探讨条件免疫反应治疗胶原性关节炎(CIA)免疫学机制。方法建立大鼠CIA模型。将模型大鼠分为5组:条件免疫反应(CIR)组:以樟脑气味为条件刺激;甲氨蝶呤(MTX)+泼尼松(Pred)为非条件刺激,两者结合7次(7d)后可建立条件免疫反应,然后每日再现条件刺激,每周条件刺激与非条件刺激结合1次,共4周。MTX+Pred组:MTX+Pred治疗4周。MTX+Pred减量组:MTX+Pred治疗,7d内每天1次,7d后每周1次,共4周。单纯闻樟脑气味组:单纯闻樟脑气味4周。空白对照组:安慰剂治疗4周。用流式细胞技术检测大鼠外周血CD4+T淋巴细胞活化(表达CD71)状态,免疫散射比浊法检测大鼠外周血IgG、IgA、IgM、C3、C4、C反应蛋白(CRP)水平,免疫组织化学检测CD68(巨噬细胞标志)及肿瘤坏死因子(TNF)-α在滑膜组织的表达。结果CIR组与MTX+Pred组大鼠治疗2周后外周血活化的CD4+T淋巴细胞明显低于其他各组(P<0.01);4周后血清IgG、CRP水平降低,滑膜组织中CD68及TNF-α表达均明显低于单纯闻樟脑气味组、MTX+Pred减量组及空白对照组(P均<0.01)。结论以樟脑气味为条件刺激,以泼尼松和甲氨蝶呤联合免疫抑制作用为非条件刺激,通过强化训练,建立的条件免疫抑制反应可以通过调节机体的细胞免疫与体液免疫功能,抑制免疫细胞异常活化,降低自身抗体及炎性细胞因子水平,     

Alantolactone alleviates collagen-induced arthritis and inhibits Th17 cell differentiation through modulation of STAT3 signalling

Context Alantolactone, the bioactive component in Inula helenium L. (Asteraceae), exhibits multiple biological effects.Objective We aimed to determine the anti-inflammatory effect of alantolactone in a collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mouse model and its immunomodulatory effects on Th17 differentiation.Materials and methods A CIA mouse model was established with DBA/1 mice randomly divided into four groups (n = 6): healthy, vehicle and two alantolactone-treated groups (25 or 50 mg/kg), followed by oral administration of alantolactone to mice for 21 consecutive days after arthritis onset. The severity of CIA was evaluated by an arthritic scoring system and histopathological examination. Levels of cytokines and anti-CII antibodies as well as percentages of splenic Th17 and Th17 differentiation with or without alantolactone treatments (0.62, 1.2 or 2.5 μM) were detected with ELISA and flow cytometry, respectively. Western blot analysis was used to evaluate intracellular signalling in alantolactone-treated spleen cells.Results In CIA mice, alantolactone at 50 mg/kg attenuated RA symptoms, including high arthritis scores, infiltrating inflammatory cells, synovial hyperplasia, bone erosion and levels of the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-17A, but not IL-10 in paw tissues. Alantolactone also reduced the number of splenic Th17 cells and the capability of naïve CD4⁺ T cells to differentiate into the Th17 subset by downregulating STAT3/RORγt signalling by as early as 24 h of treatment.Discussion and conclusions Alantolactone possesses an anti-inflammatory effect that suppresses murine CIA by inhibiting Th17 cell differentiation, suggesting alantolactone is an adjunctive therapeutic candidate to treat rheumatoid arthritis.     

Suramin ameliorates collagen induced arthritis

Suramin, a polysulfonated polyaromatic symmetrical urea is known for multiple therapeutic effects including antineoplastic activity. It is known as an antagonist of ATP at P2X purinergic receptors. Suramin is also found to inhibit protein synthesis affecting both initiation and elongation of the polypeptide chain. As a growth factor blocker, it is reported to suppress experimental myocardial inflammation. Here, we describe the anti-arthritic property of suramin in the collagen induced arthritic (CIA) rat, a model of human rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Intraperitoneal (i.p) injection of suramin (10 mg/kg/day) for 3 weeks was found to reduce inflammation and repair joint destruction in CIA rats. Recovery of body weight (p<0.0001), reduction in splenic (p<0.05) and arthritic indices (p<0.0001) and reappearance of smooth synovial lining after suramin treatment to CIA rats were found to be significant. Levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in plasma and joint extracts were reduced (p<0.0001) significantly in response to suramin treatment. Several acute phase proteins were normalized after suramin administration.     

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.     

Suppressive effect of Kanzo-bushi-to, a Kampo medicine, on collagen-induced arthritis

Kanzo-bushi-to (KBT) is a traditional Japanese herbal medicine (Kampo medicine), which is used in Japan to treat rheumatoid arthritis. In the present study, we investigated the suppressive effect of KBT on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) and further studied the underlying mechanism. CIA was induced in male DBA/1J mice by immunization with bovine type II collagen, followed by a booster injection 21 d later. KBT was given at a dose of 430 mg/kg/d from three days before the first immunization to the end of the experiment. KBT suppressed CIA development effectively and further protected focal bone erosion and bone destruction as evidenced by the reduced histological score. Histochemical examination revealed that KBT decreased TRAP-positive cells at the synovium-bone interface and at the sites of focal bone erosion, coincident with the findings that RANKL/OPG mRNA ratio was significantly reduced by KBT treatment. KBT also decreased mRNA levels of M-CSF and iNOS in joints and of iNOS in peritoneal macrophages. In conclusion, KBT prevented osteoclast generation by decreasing RANKL/OPG ratio and M-CSF mRNA levels, resulting in reduction in bone erosion and destruction. In addition, KBT has anti-inflammatory effect such as the suppression of iNOS expression in peritoneal macrophages and joints of CIA mice. These finding suggests that KBT is a potential new therapeutic agent for the treatment of RA.     

来氟米特联合甲氨蝶呤对胶原诱导的关节炎大鼠骨破坏因子RANKL和IL-17的影响

目的探讨来氟米特(LEF)联合甲氨蝶呤(MTX)治疗大鼠胶原诱导的关节炎(CIA)的骨保护作用。方法建立CIA模型后,大鼠分为模型对照组、LEF组、MTX组、MTX+LEF(联合组);另设立空白对照组。用ELISA分析核因子κB受体活化因子的配体(RANKL)和白细胞介素17(IL-17)水平。结果与空白对照组比较,CIA大鼠模型外周血RANKL、IL-17水平明显升高(P<0.05)。与模型对照组比较,LEF组、MTX组、联合组大鼠模型外周血RANKL及联合组IL-17的水平均明显下降(P<0.05);与MTX组比较,联合组外周血RANKL、IL-17水平明显下降(P<0.05)。结论在成功建立的CIA大鼠模型中,LEF联合MTX对类风湿关节炎有协同骨保护作用,可能与下调外周血RANKL、IL-17水平有关。     

甲氨蝶呤联合环磷酰胺对胶原诱导性关节炎大鼠滑膜细胞凋亡作用的研究

目的通过对类风湿关节炎(RA)动物模型胶原诱导性关节炎(CIA)大鼠的实验研究,从滑膜细胞凋亡的角度,探讨甲氨蝶呤(MTX)联合环磷酰胺(CTX)的协同作用和机制。方法建立Ⅱ型胶原诱导性雌性Wistar大鼠CIA模型,将造模成功的60只大鼠随机分成4组:CIA模型对照组、小剂量MTX治疗组(MTX0.9mg/kg,每周1次)、小剂量CTX治疗组(24mg/kg,每3周1次)及小剂量MTX联合小剂量CTX治疗组(0.9mg/kg,每周1次,CTX24mg/kg,每3周1次);再选8只为正常对照组。治疗24周后全部动物处死取材,再经固定、脱钙、包埋,通过TUNEL法检测滑膜细胞凋亡。结果各治疗组滑膜细胞凋亡均较CIA模型组增加,联合治疗组凋亡程度最高,各组间平均灰度值差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论提示MTX和CTX联合治疗RA为协同作用。     

A semi-synthetic natural product blocks collagen induced arthritis by preferentially suppressing the production of IL-6

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an autoimmune-inflammatory disease is characterized by dysregulation of signal transduction pathways, increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, enhanced leukocyte infiltration into synovial microvascular endothelium, extensive formation of hyper proliferative pannus, degradation of cartilage and bone erosion. Several compounds that abrogate cytokine production demonstrate a therapeutic effect in experimental models of arthritis. In this study, we report that a novel semi-synthetic natural product (Compound A) being a preferential IL-6 inhibitor, is efficacious in a murine model of arthritis. In vitro evaluations of pro-inflammatory cytokine production reveal that Compound A preferentially inhibits induced production of IL-6 and not TNF-α from THP-1 cells and isolated human monocytes. Furthermore, Compound A robustly inhibits the spontaneous production of IL-6 from pathologically relevant synovial tissue cells isolated from patients with active RA. In a physiologically relevant assay, Compound A selectively inhibits the activated T cell contact-mediated production of IL-6 from human monocytes. Compound A, at pharmacologically efficacious concentrations, does not significantly curtail the LPS-induced activation of p38 MAPKs. In the collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mouse model (i) macroscopic observations demonstrate that Compound A, administered subcutaneously in a therapeutic regimen, significantly and dose-dependently inhibits disease associated increases in articular index and paw thickness; (ii) histological analyses of paw tissues reveal that Compound A prominently diminishes joint destruction, hyperproliferative pannus formation and infiltration of inflammatory cells. Collectively, these results provide direct evidence that Compound A, a novel preferential IL-6 inhibitor, suppresses collagen-induced arthritis, and may be a potential therapeutic for treating patients with active RA.