Deflazacort alleviate pro-inflammatory cytokines expression,oxidative stress and histopathological alterations in collagen induced arthritis in Wistar rats

ObjectivesGlucocorticoids are important and frequently used class of anti-inflammatory drugs. Deflazacort (DFZ) is a glucocorticoid and an oxazolone derivative of prednisolone. As it has high anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive potency, we studied inhibitory effect of DFZ on mediators regulating the pro-inflammatory response and oxidative stress induced in arthritis.MethodsFemale Wistar rats were immunized intradermally by collagen type II to induce collagen induced arthritis. Arthritic rats were treated with DFZ orally (6 mg kg⁻¹ body weight) until 28 days after the onset of clinical symptoms of disease. The effect of DFZ treatment in the rats was monitored by clinical scoring, biochemical parameters, immunohistochemistry and histopathological evaluation.ResultsDeflazacort significantly decreased the level of articular elastase, nitric oxide and lipid peroxidation whereas significantly increased the activity of catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione. Deflazacort down-regulated expression of pro-inflammatory molecules like TNF-α and COX-2. Histopathological evaluation revealed significant reduction of synovial hyperplasia and cellular infiltration in synovial membrane in DFZ treated group as compared to the diseased group.ConclusionsThis suggests that DFZ significantly down-regulates the expression of pro-inflammatory molecules such as TNF-α and COX-2 and alleviates the oxidative stress which make it a viable therapeutic option for treatment of arthritis.