Effect of hydroalcoholic leaf extract of Cassia fistula L.on typeⅡcollagen-induced arthritis in rats

Objective:To explore the effect of Cassia fistula on collagenⅡ-induced arthritis in rats.Methods:The effect of 250 and 500 mg/kg chloroform and hydroalcoholic extract of Cassia fistula leaf on collagenⅡ-induced arthritis was investigated by evaluating paw volume,arthritis index,spleen index,and biochemical parameters.Histopathological analysis and docking study were also performed.Results:A dose-dependent reduction in paw volume,arthritic index,and spleen index was observed following oral administration of the chloroform and hydroalcoholic extracts.Treatment with Cassia fistula extracts reduced tumor necrosis factor-α,interleukin(IL)-1β,IL-6,prostaglandin E_(2),aspartate aminotransferase,alanine aminotransferase,total leucocyte count,and erythrocyte sedimentation rate while increasing IL-10 level.In addition,Cassia fistula extracts improved joint architecture,and prevented cartilage and bone destruction.Docking analysis demonstrated that the physcion,1-octacosanol,5,3’,4’-trihydroxy-6-methoxy-7-O-α-Lrhamnopyranosyl-(1,2)-O-β-D-galactopyranoside and scopoletin may be responsible for the anti-arthritic effect of Cassia fistula.Conclusions:Cassia fistula suppresses the progression of collagenⅡ-induced arthritis by lowering the inflammatory factors,decreasing paw volume and arthritic index,and alleviating joint architecture.However,further studies are required to confirm the bioactive molecule responsible for the anti-arthritic potential of Cassia fistula.

Attenuation of Collagen Induced Arthritis by Centella asiatica Methanol Fraction via Modulation of Cytokines and Oxidative Stress

Objective To investigate the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-arthritic effects of Centello asiatica methanolfraction （CAME） on collagen-induced arthritis （ClA）, an animal model of rheumatoid arthritis. Methods Arthritis was induced in female wistar rats by immunization with porcine type II collagen. The CIA rats were treated orally with CaME （50, 150, and 250 mg/kg/day） for 15 d （beginning on day 21 of the experimental period）. The clinical, histological, biochemical, and immunological parameters were assessed. Results CaME treatment （150 and 250 mg/kg） significantly attenuated the severity of CIA and reduced the synovial inflammation, cartilage erosion, and bone erosion as evident from both histological and radiographic data. The escalated plasma levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-12 alongwith nitric oxide in CIA rats decreased significantly on CaME treatment. The serum levels of type-Ⅱ collagen antibody were significantly lower in rats of CaME （150 and 250 mg/kg） treated group than those in the arthritic group. Furthermore, by inhibiting the above mediators, CaME also contributed towards the reversal of the disturbed antioxidant levels and peroxidative damage. Conclusion Our results clearly indicate that oral administration of CaME suppresses joint inflammation, cytokine expression as well as antioxidant imbalance, thereby contributing to an amelioration of arthritis severity in CIA rats.

Effects of Triptolide on the Expression and Activity of NF-κB in Synovium of Collagen-induced Arthritis Rats

Summary： The expression and activity of NF-kB in the synovium of collagen-induced arthritis （CIA） rats was detected in order to investigate the possible therapeutic effects of triptolide on rheumatoid arthritis （RA）. The experimental Wistar rat model of CIA was set up by intradermal injection of emulsion of bovine collagen 11 and the successful rate of setting-up models was evaluated by arthritis index （AI）. Rats were grouped randomly into three groups： normal, model and treatment group. The expression of TNF-α and IL-6 in synovial fluid was detected by ELISA, and the expression and activity of NF kB in synovium by immunohistochemistry method and by electrophoretic mobility shift assay （EMSA） respectively. As compared with normal group, the expression of TNF a and IL-6 in synovia （P〈0. 05）, and the expression and activity of NF-kB （P〈0.05） in synovium were increased in model group. There was statistical difference in above-mentioned indexes between model group and treatment group. Triptolide may play a protective role in IRA via downregulating the expression and activity of NF-kB in synovium.

Prediction of Response of Collagen-induced Arthritis Rats to Methotrexate： An ~1H-NMR-based Urine Metabolomic Analysis

Over one half the patients with rheumatoid arthritis （RA） are being treated with methotrexate （MTX）. Although well proven, the efficacy of MTX varies in individual patients. This study examined the metabolic biomarkers that can be used to predict the therapeutic effect of MTX by using metabolomic analysis. Rats were immunized with collagen to rapidly cause collagen-induced arthritis （CIA） and then treated with 0.1 mg/kg MTX for 4 weeks. The clinical signs and the histopathological features of CIA were observed to evaluate the therapeutic effects. Urine samples of CIA rats were collected, and analyzed by using 600 M 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance （1H-NMR） for spectral binning after the therapy. The urine spectra were divided into spectral bins, and 20 endogenous metabolites were assigned by Chenomx Suite. Multivariate analyses were performed to identify the spectral pattern of endogenous metabolites related to MTX therapy. The results showed that the clustering of the spectra of the urine samples from the responsive rats （n=20） was different from that from the non-responsive rats （n=11）. Multivariate analysis showed difference in metabolic profiles between the responsive and non-responsive rats by using partial least squares-discrimination analysis （PLS-DA） （R2=0.812, Q2=0.604）. In targeted profiling, 13 endogenous metabolites （uric acid, taurine, histidine, methionine, glycine, etc.） were selected as putative biomarkers for predicting therapeutic response to MTX. It was suggested that 1H-NMR-based metabolomic analysis can be used to predict the therapeutic effect of MTX, and several metabolites were found to be related to the therapeutic effects of MTX.

A novel anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory drug CP-25 alleviated collagen induced arthritis by down-regulating BAFF-NF-κκB signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE To investigated the regulatory effect of paeoniflorin-6′-O-benzene sulfonate(CP-25) on B cell activating factor(BAFF)/BAFF receptor-nuclear factor of kappa B(NF-κB) signaling in B cell of collagen induced-arthritis(CIA) mice.METHODS Mice CIA was induced by injection of typeⅡcollagen(CⅡ).The arthritis index(AI) and swollen joint count(SJC) were assessed,and histopathology of spleen and joints were observed.The percentage of B cells subsets,BAFF receptor expressions were analyzed by flow cytometry.BAFF and immunoglobulin(Ig) levels were measured by protein antibody array.The expressions of TRAF2,MKK3,MKK6,p-P38,and p-NF-κB65 in NF-κB signaling mediated by BAFF were analyzed by western blot.RESULTS CP-25 decreased AI and SJC,restored abnormal weights,reduced thymus index and spleen index,inhibited T/B cells proliferation,alleviated the histopathology of spleen and joints in CIA mice.CP-25 also reduced high levels of serum BAFF and immunoglobulin,decreased CD19+B cells,CD19+CD27+B cells,and CD19-CD27+CD138+plasma cells,inhibited BAFFR and TACI expressions,decreased the expressions of TRAF2,MKK3,MKK6,p-P38,and p-NF-κB65.Compared with biological agents etanercept and rituximab,CP-25 restored high T cells proliferation and percentages of B subsets to normal level,and recovered the high levels of IgA,IgD,IgG1,IgG2 a and high expressions molecules in NF-κB signaling to normal levels.The action intensity of rituximab and etanercept was more strong than CP-25.The inhibitor effects of rituximab and etanercept on AI and SJC,thymus index,proliferation of T cells and B cells subsets were strong,and down-regulated the indexes to under normal levels.CONCLUSION CP-25 might be a promising anti-inflammatory immune and regulation drug,which alleviated CIA and regulated the functions of B cells through BAFF/BAFF receptor-NF-κB signaling.

Treatment of a mouse model of collagen antibody-induced arthritis with human adipose-derived secretions

The use of adipose-derived cells as a treatment for a variety of diseases is becoming increasingly common. These therapies include the use of cultured mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and freshly isolated stromal vascular fraction (SVF) alone, or in conjunction with other cells such as adipocytes. There is a substantial amount of literature published on the therapeutic properties of MSCs and their secretions as the main driver of their therapeutic effect. However, there is little data available on the therapeutic potential of secretions from SVF, either with or without adipocytes. We investigated the ability of secretions from human adipose SVF alone and the SVF co-cultured with adipocytes as a proxy for cell therapy, to ameliorate an inflammatory disorder. This ethics approved study involved the treatment of collagen antibody-induced arthritis (CAIA) in mice with secretions from SVF, SVF co-cultured with adipocytes, or a vehicle control via both intravenous (IV) and intramuscular (IM) routes. Treatment outcome was assessed by paw volume, ankle size and clinical arthritis score measurements. Serum samples were obtained following euthanasia and analysed for a panel of 32 mouse cytokines and growth factors. The dose and timing regime used for the IM administration of both human secretion mixtures did not significantly ameliorate arthritis in this model. The IV administration of SVF adipocyte co-culture secretions reduced the paw volume, and significantly reduced the ankle size and clinical arthritis score when compared to the IV vehicle control mice. This was a superior therapeutic effect than treatment with SVF secretions. Furthermore, treatment with SVF adipocyte coculture secretions resulted in a significant reduction in serum levels of key cytokines, IL-2 and VEGF, involved in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis. Therefore, the SVF cocultured with adipocytes is an attractive therapeutic for inflammatory conditions.

Effect of Yangqixue Qufengshi Recipe (养气血祛风湿方) on Rheumatoid Arthritis Model Mice under Different Genetic Backgrounds

Objective： To study the effect of Yangqixue Qufengshi Recipe （养气血祛风湿方, YQXQFS） on rheumatoid arthritis （RA） model mice under different genetic backgrounds. Methods： Collagen Induced Arthritis （CIA） were established on HLA-DR4 transgenic （TG） mice and non-transgenic （NTG） mice, which partly were raised with YQXQFS, and the onset day of CIA, the level of type Ⅱ collagen （C Ⅱ ）-reactive antibodies and the pathological scores of CIA were assessed. Results： Under HLA-DR4 TG background （compared with NTG mice）, the earlier onset day of CIA （ 11.22±3.35 days vs 16.56 ±4.75 days, P〈0.05） and higher level of C Ⅱ-reactive antibodies （0. 2274±0. 1390μg/ml vs 0.1101±0. 0560μg/ml, P〈0.05） were observed, but the pathological scores of CIA remained unchange. YQXQFS could not influence the onset day of CIA and the level of C Ⅱ-reactive antibodies, but had a certain effect on the total pathological scores （6.56±3.43 scores vs 11.11±5.64 scores） and bone erosion （0.22±0.44 scores vs 1.67±1.50 scores） of CIA on NTG mice （P〈0.05）, NTG YQXQFS group compared with NTG experimental group. Conclusion： YQXQFS had a certain effect on RA model, but had no significant effect on HLA-DR4 related CIA.

艾灸对佐剂性关节炎大鼠滑膜组织Beclin-1、LC3-Ⅱ表达的影响

目的观察艾灸对类风湿关节炎(rheumatoid arthritis,RA)大鼠炎症因子白细胞介素-2(interleukin-2,IL-2)及滑膜细胞中自噬相关因子Beclin-1、微管相关蛋白1轻链3-Ⅱ(microtubule-associated protein1 light chain 3-Ⅱ,LC3-Ⅱ)表达的影响,探索艾灸治疗RA的作用机制。方法将36只雄性SD大鼠随机分为空白组、模型组、甲氨蝶呤组、艾灸组,每组9只。采用弗氏完全佐剂造模法制备RA大鼠模型。造模成功后艾灸组予艾灸足三里、关元,每次20 min,每天1次;甲氨蝶呤组予甲氨蝶呤0.35 mg/kg灌胃,每周2次。空白组、模型组、甲氨蝶呤组每天给予艾灸组大鼠同样时长及强度的捆绑。每组均干预3周。观察大鼠一般情况,采用足趾容积测量仪检测大鼠左后肢足趾容积,ELISA法检测血清中IL-2含量,Western blot检测大鼠踝关节滑膜组织中Beclin-1、LC3-Ⅱ蛋白相对表达量。结果与模型组比较,甲氨蝶呤组及艾灸组精神一般,反应尚可,体质量恢复,较活跃,摄食、饮水尚可,足部肿胀、红肿缓解,其局部炎症及全身多发性关节炎情况均轻于模型组。与空白组比较,模型组大鼠于造模后第3、10、17、24天足趾容积明显增大(P<0.01),结合一般情况,提示模型制备成功;甲氨蝶呤组、艾灸组足趾容积于第24天增大(P<0.05)。与模型组比较,甲氨蝶呤组造模后第17、24天足趾容积降低(P<0.05,P<0.01),艾灸组第10、17、24天足趾容积明显降低(P<0.01)。干预3周后,与空白组比较,模型组血清中IL-2含量明显升高(P<0.01),滑膜组织Beclin-1、LC3-Ⅱ蛋白表达量明显上升(P<0.01);与模型组比较,甲氨蝶呤组、艾灸组血清中IL-2含量降低(P<0.05),艾灸组滑膜组织Beclin-1、LC3-Ⅱ蛋白表达量下降(P<0.05)。结论艾灸能改善RA大鼠关节肿胀,降低IL-2含量,其作用机制可能是通过调节自噬因子Beclin-1、LC3-Ⅱ蛋白表达量有关。

Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic study of triptolide-loaded liposome hydrogel patch under microneedles on rats with collagen-induced arthritis

Triptolide (TP), a major active component of Triptelygium wilfordii Hook.F. (TWHF), is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, it has a narrow therapeutic window due to its serious toxicities. To increase the therapeutic index, a new triptolide-loaded transdermal delivery system, named triptolide-loaded liposome hydrogel patch (TP-LHP), has been developed. In this paper, we used a micro-needle array to deliver TP-LHP to promote transdermal absorption and evaluated this treatment on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of TP-LHP in a rat model of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). The pharmacokinetic results showed that transdermal delivery of microneedle TP-LHP yielded plasma drug levels which fit a one compartment open model. The relationship equation between plasma concentration and time was C=303.59 x (e(-0.064t)-e(-0.287t)). The results of pharmacodynamic study demonstrated that TP-LHP treatment mitigated the degree of joint swelling and suppressed the expressions of fetal liver kinase-1, fetal liver tyrosine kinase-4 and hypoxia-inducible factor-1a in synovium. Other indicators were also reduced by TP-LHP, including hyperfunction of immune, interleukin-1/3 and interleukin-6 levels in serum. The therapeutic mechanism of TP-LHP might be regulation of the balance between Thl and Th2, as well as inhibition of the expression and biological effects of vascular endothelial growth factor. (C) 2015 Chinese Pharmaceutical Association and Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V.

Protective Effect of Norcantharidin on Collagen-Induced Arthritis Rats

Objective： To observe the effect of norcantharidin（NCTD） on collagen-induced arthritis（CIA） rats. Methods： Sixty Sprague-Dawley（SD） rats were randomly divided into 6 groups（n=10）： normal group, CIA model group（model group）, NCTD low-dose group [1.35 mg/（kg·d）], NCTD middle-dose group [2.7 mg/（kg·d）], NCTD high-dose group [5.4 mg/（kg·d）] and methotrexate（MTX） group [1.8 mg/（kg/w）]. Anesthetized rats were sacrificed by luxation of cervical vertebra after 4 weeks of administration. The arthritis scores were evaluated twice a week. The pathological changes in the ankle joints of rats were observed by hematoxylin-eosin（H＆E） staining. The serum levels of interleukin（IL） 1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor（TNF）-α, vascular endothelial growth factor（VEGF）, IL-17 and transform growth factor（TGF） β were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay（ELISA）. The mRNA expression of retinoid-related orphan nuclear receptor γ t（ROR γ t） and forkhead box P3（Foxp3） in peripheral blood lymphocytes were confirmed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results： MTX and high-dose NCTD not only decreased the arthritis scores but also alleviated the pathological changes in CIA rats＇ ankle joints compared with the model group（P〈0.05 or P〈0.01）. All doses of NCTD significantly inhibited the serum levels of IL-6, IL-17 and TNF-α in CIA rats（P〈0.05）. Only middle-and high-dose of NCTD prominently decreased serum IL-1β and TGF-β levels of CIA rats（P〈0.05）. However, NCTD has no effect on vascular endothelial growth factor（VEGF） level in CIA rats. The Foxp3 mRNA expression in all NCTD groups were increased significantly than in the model group（P〈0.05）. The mRNA expression of RORγt in NCTD high-dose group was decreased apparently in comparison with the model group（P〈0.05）. Conclusion： NCTD showed therapeutic effect on CIA rats by inhibition of cytokines and regulation of Th17/Treg cells.

Protective Effects of Overexpression TCR Vβ5.2-HSP70 and TCR Vβ8.2-HSP70 against Collagen-Induced Arthritis in Rats

Collagen-induced arthritis （CIA） is an animal model, which closely resembles human rheumatoid arthritis （RA） in pathogenesis and pathology. Evidence suggests that the inhibition of T lymphocytes or their functions can alleviate the progression of arthritis. So the administration of arthritogenic T cell receptor （TCR） variable region peptide or DNA vaccines encoding pathogenic TCR Vβ variable region may provide useful information for designing specific immunotherapies against autoimmune diseases. Heat shock proteins （HSPs） have the function of raising antigenic immunogenicity and HSP70 has a protective effect against arthritis. We previously demonstrated the presence of pathogenic predominant T cell receptor Vβ5.2 and Vβ8.2 clonotypes in the joints of CIA rats. In this study, we constructed the recombinant eukaryotic expression vectors pTARGET-TCR Vβ5.2/8.2-HSP70, and evaluated their protective effects on CIA rats. Protective effects were observed in CIA rats by injecting these recombinant DNA vaccines, which could alleviate arthritis index, decrease the levels of IFN-~ and anti-CII antibody in serum, and increase the levels of IL-4. Pathological changes were not as serious as those observed in control CIA rats. The rat injected with two combined vaccines showed better protective effects than CIA rats administered with individual vaccine. These results showed that recombinant DNA vaccines pTARGET-TCR Vβ5.2-HSP70 and pTARGET-TCR Vβ8.2-HSP70 could significantly alleviate the arthritic symptoms of CIA rats, and better protective effects could be achieved if these two vaccines were used in combination. Cellular ＆ Molecular Immunology.

Inhibitory Effect of the Extract of Phellodendron amurense Ruprecht Root on Collagen-Induced Arthritis in Mice

Objective： To investigate whether the dried root of Phellodendron amurense Ruprecht（Phellodendri cortex; PC） extract improves arthritic symptoms through anti-inflammatory and immune-modulatory effects in collagen-induced arthritis in mice. Methods： Rheumatoid arthritis（RA） was induced in male DBA/1 mice by immunization with type Ⅱ collagen（ColⅡ）. CIA mice were divided into 5 groups（n=10 per a group） with normal, CIA control, PC extract（50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg）-treated, and meloxicam（50 mg/kg）-treated as the reference drug. The PC extract or meloxicam were administered orally in CIA mice once a day for 14 days after arthritis induction. Arthritic score, levels of anti-ColⅡ IgG2a antibody, prostaglandin E2（PGE2）, tumor necrosis factor（TNF）-α, and interleukin（IL）-17 in the sera of CIA mice were measured. Histopathological changes in the ankle joints of CIA mice were also analyzed by staining with hematoxylin and eosin（H and E）, safranin-O and immunohistochemistry using anti-TNF-α and anti-IL-17 antibodies. Results： The arthritic score was increased in CIA mice in a time-dependent manner, as were the serum levels of anti-ColⅡ IgG2a antibody, PGE2, TNF-α, and IL-17. However, the oral administration of PC extract at 50 and 100 mg/kg in CIA mice significantly decreased the arthritic scores, and the serum levels of anti-ColⅡ IgG2a, PGE2, TNF-α, and IL-17 compared with those in the CIA group（P〈0.05 or P〈0.01）. Furthermore, histopathological improvement of the joint architecture in CIA mice was observed after administration of PC extract. PC extract also significantly inhibited the expression of TNF-α and IL-17 in the joints of CIA mice by suppressing the expression of their m RNA and proteins. Conclusion： PC extract may improve the pathological progression of RA through the inhibition of joint destruction by synovial inflammation and immune-stimulation, therefore, it would be a potential anti-arthritic agent in RA.

Therapeutic Effect of Dimethyl Dimethoxy Biphenyl Dicarboxylate on Collagen-Induced Arthritis in Rats

Objective： To study the effect of oral administration of dimethyl dimethoxy biphenyl dicarboxylate （DDB） on adjusting angiogeneic/inflammatory mediators and ameliorating the pathology of bones in rats with collagen-induced arthritis （CIA）. Methods： Wistar rat model of CIA was set up using bovine collagen type H. Fifty rats were divided into five groups randomly： normal, CIA model, DDB treatment, methotrexate （MTX） treatment, and combined DDB＋MTX treatment. Ankle joints of rats were imaged with digital X-ray machine to show the destruction of joints. Fore and hind paw and knee joints were removed above the ankle joint then processed for haematoxylin and eosin staining. Plasma levels of vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF）, platelet derived growth factor, interleukin-8 （IL-8）, IL-4, tumor necrosis factor α （TNF-α）, and cyclooxygenase-2 （COX-2） were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Nitric oxide levels were detected by Griess reagent. Results： Compared with the CIA model group, a remarkable reduction in various angiogenic （VEGF and IL-8） and inflammatory mediators （TNF-α, IL-4 and COX-2） after treatment with DDB either alone or combined with MTX （P〈0.05 or P〈0.01）. Histopathological and X-ray findings were confirmatory to the observed DDB anti-arthritic effect. The DDB-treated group showed amelioration in signs of arthritis which appeared essentially similar to normal. Conclusion： Our data shed light on the therapeutic efficacy of DDB in experimental rheumatoid arthritis （RA） compared with a choice drug （MTX） and it may be offered as a second-line drug in the treatment of RA.

Original article Inhibition of collagen-induced arthritis by DNA vaccines encoding TCR Vβ5.2 and TCR Vβ8.2

Background Arthritogenic T lymphocytes with common T cell receptor （TCR） Vβ clonotypes, infiltrating in the articulars of rheumatoid arthritis （RA） patients, play a central role in the pathogenesis of RA. TCR Vβ5.2 and TCR Vβ8.2 are the main pathogenic T cell clonotypes in the course of collagen-induced arthritis （CIA） progression in Lewis rats. To investigate a TCR-based immunotherapy for RA, we constructed recombinant DNA vaccines encoding TCR Vβ5.2 and TCR Vβ8.2, and evaluated the inhibitive effects of the two vaccines on CIA rats.Methods Genes encoding TCR Vβ5.2 and TCR Vβ8.2 were amplified by RT-PCR from spleen lymphocytes of Lewis rats and cloned into the eukaryotic expression vector pTargeT. The expression of vaccines was confirmed by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. The inhibitive effects of the vaccines on articulars of CIA rats were assessed with arthritis index evaluation and histology. Interferon γ （IFN-γ） and interleukin （IL）-4 production by spleen lymphocytes were tested with enzyme-linked immunospot assay （ELISPOT） technique, the changes in peripheral CD4^＋ and CD8^＋ lymphocyte populations were tested by flow cytometry, and the level of anti-CII antibody in serum was assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）.Results Recombinant DNA vaccines pTargeT-TCR Vβ5.2 and pTargeT-pTCR Vβ8.2 were successfully constructed. Both vaccines inhibited CIA, which alleviated the arthritis index score （P 〈0.05）, decreased the level of IFN-γ （P 〈0.05）, and reduced the ratio of CD4^＋/CD8^＋ lymphocytes （P 〈0.05） and the anti-CII antibody in serum （P 〈0.05）. In addition, the histological change in DNA-vaccinated rats was less serious than CIA rats. Compared to pTCR Vβ 8.2 and pTCR Vβ 5.2 groups, the group that was injected with a combination of the two vaccines showed stronger inhibitive effects on CIA than either individual vaccine.Conclusion The recombinant plasmids pTargeT-TCR Vβ5.2 and pTargeT-TCR Vβ8.2 have obvious inhibatory effects on CIA rats and better effects could be achieved when the vaccines were used in combination.

Effects of Agkistrodon in Different Dosage Forms on Collagen-Induced Arthritis in Rats

Objectives： To determine the effective dosage and formulation of agkistrodon in collagen-induced arthritis（CIA） rats. Methods： CIA was induced by injection of collagen in complete/incomplete Freund＇s adjuvant. Agkistrodon decoction, agkistrodon powder, and agkistrodon wine were administered daily starting from the onset of arthritis. Paw swelling degree was measured by using a volume-measuring instrument every 7 days after primary immunization. Arthritis index was measured and calculated using the ＂five scoring method＂ every 7 days. The levels of serum interleukin-1β（IL-1β） and type Ⅱ collagen Ig G antibodies were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Finally, all ankles were removed, and X-ray radiography was performed with In-vivo Imaging System FX. Samples were counterstained with hematoxylin and eosin for analysis. Results： Among the various dosage formulations of agkistrodon, high-dose powder, which was equivalent to an amount of 6 g/day in adults, showed better effects on the inhibition of joint swelling and reduction of arthritis index score. The relatively low levels of serum IL-1 and anti-type Ⅱ collagen Ig G antibodies, as well as the X-ray radiography and pathology results, further proved the superiority of the high-dose powder over the other formulations. The effect of decoction on inhibiting joint swelling was inversely proportional to the dosage. Other effects, such as reduction of arthritis index score and the levels of serum IL-1 and anti-type Ⅱ collagen Ig G antibodies, were directly proportional to the dosage. While the use of large dose agkistrodon wine led to negative effects. Conclusions： These data highlight the potential function of high-dose agkistrodon powder, which was equivalent to an amount of 6 g/day in adults. The powder can quickly relieve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and prevent aggravation of disease, especially during the early period.

阿克他利对Ⅱ型胶原性关节炎小鼠的治疗作用及部分机制研究

目的 研究阿克他利 (Acta)对小鼠Ⅱ型胶原性关节炎 (CIA)的治疗作用。方法 采用Ⅱ型胶原 (CⅡ )乳剂皮内注射诱导的小鼠CIA模型。在此基础上 ,检测小鼠足肿胀、免疫功能的改变 ,以及对CⅡ的迟发性变态反应 (DTH)和血清中抗CⅡ抗体的测定 ,同时进行了病理组织学的检查。结果 Acta(10 ,30 ,90mg·kg-1)ig对CⅡ诱导的小鼠足肿胀有明显的抑制作用 ;体外研究发现 ,Acta(10 ,30 ,90mg·kg-1)能使CIA小鼠过高的ConA增殖反应和IL 2的产生恢复至接近正常 ,同时对CIA小鼠过高的IL 1产生有明显的抑制作用 ;Acta(10 ,30 ,90mg·kg-1)ig可以明显减轻CⅡ诱发迟发性变态反应 (DTH) ,但Acta对CIA小鼠体内的抗体的产生无显著影响。病理学检查表明 ,Acta(10 ,30 ,90mg·kg-1)ig可以减轻CIA小鼠的骨膜增生和软骨破坏。结论 Acta对CIA小鼠具有治疗作用 ,该作用可能是通过细胞免疫调节实现的。

Ⅱ型胶原蛋白与弗氏完全佐剂大鼠关节炎模型的建立和比较

目的对Ⅱ型胶原蛋白（ＣⅡ－Ａ）和弗氏完全佐剂（Ａ－Ａ）大鼠关节炎模型在大体外观和足部组织病理学切片等方面进行观察比较。方法分别采用Ⅱ型胶原蛋白和弗氏完全佐剂诱导建立大鼠关节炎模型，利用排水法对大鼠足部体积进行测定，并将大鼠后足进行组织病理学切片观察。结果从大体外观和足部病理切片上两种大鼠模型均显示出有明显的病变，但ＣⅡ－Ａ大鼠与Ａ－Ａ大鼠比较，滑膜增生及软骨破坏等继发性病变特征更为明显，关节炎持续时间也较长，更接近于人的类风湿性关节炎。结论ＣⅡ－Ａ大鼠模型与Ａ－Ａ相比是研究ＲＡ较为理想的动物模型。

鸡Ⅱ型胶原对小鼠胶原性关节炎的治疗作用

目的 研究鸡Ⅱ型胶原 (CⅡ )对小鼠胶原性关节炎(CIA)的治疗作用。方法 在建立小鼠CIA模型的基础上 ,观测关节积分变化 ,同时检测脾淋巴细胞增殖反应 ,白细胞介素 1(IL 1)和IL 2。结果 CⅡ 5、10、2 0 μg·kg-1ig× 7d能明显减轻CIA小鼠的关节炎症 ;抑制CIA小鼠过高的ConA诱导的脾细胞增殖反应及小鼠腹腔巨噬细胞IL 1的过度产生 ,降低脾细胞IL 2的产生 ;同时病理检查亦发现CⅡ治疗用药可以减轻CIA小鼠的骨膜增生和炎细胞浸润。结论 CⅡ对CIA具有治疗作用 ,其机制与免疫功能调节有关。

乌梢蛇Ⅱ型胶原蛋白的鉴定及其对胶原诱导性关节炎小鼠的干预研究

目的：分析乌梢蛇Ⅱ型胶原蛋白（Zaocys type Ⅱ collagen，ZC Ⅱ）与其他物种Ⅱ型胶原蛋白（C Ⅱ collagen）的同源性，探讨其对胶原诱导性关节炎（Collagen—induced arthritis，CIA）小鼠关节炎症的影响。方法：采用限制性胃蛋白酶消化法提取ZCⅡ；SDS—PAGE凝胶电泳及紫外分光光度计法对其鉴定，质谱分析其同源性。鸡CⅡ小鼠尾根部皮下注射诱导CIA模型；口服ZCII高、中、低剂量干预，视觉评分法对关节炎评分，HE染色评价小鼠膝关节病理变化。结果：提取的ZCU分子量约为110～140kD，紫外吸收峰为230nm左右；质谱分析所得肽质量指纹图谱与其他物种有4个以上肽段匹配，蛋白评分大于95％。在关节炎症方面，与正常对照组比较，CIA小鼠关节炎及组织病理学评分升高（P〈0．05）；与CIA模型组比较，不同剂量ZCU干预组关节炎及组织病理学评分显著降低（P〈0．05）。结论：质谱分析结果提示ZCⅡ与其他物种CⅡ具有较高同源性；ZCII能显著抑制CIA小鼠的关节肿胀，改善关节组织病理变化。

乌梢蛇Ⅱ型胶原蛋白调控胶原诱导性关节炎小鼠肠系膜淋巴结Treg/Th17平衡

目的探讨乌梢蛇Ⅱ型胶原蛋白(Zaocys typeⅡcollagen,ZCⅡ)对胶原诱导性关节炎(Collagen-induced arthritis,CIA)小鼠肠系膜淋巴结淋巴细胞(mesenteric lymph node lymphocytes,MLNLs)Treg/Th17细胞及其细胞因子的影响。方法鸡Ⅱ型胶原蛋白小鼠尾根部皮下注射,诱导CIA模型;胃蛋白酶消化法提取ZCⅡ,口服高、中、低剂量ZCⅡ干预。视觉评分法评价关节肿胀,HE染色评价膝关节组织病理学;分离小鼠MLNLs,流式细胞术(FCM)检测Treg和Th17细胞的比率;酶联免疫吸附测定(ELISA)法检测MLNLs培养上清中TGF-β和IL-17的活性。结果与正常组比较,CIA小鼠关节炎及组织病理学评分升高(P<0.05),MLNLs中Treg和Th17的比率及其分泌TGF-β和IL-17水平上升(P<0.05)。与CIA模型组比较,不同剂量ZCⅡ干预组关节炎及组织病理学评分降低(P<0.05),MLNLs中Treg细胞的比率上升,Th17细胞的比率下降(P<0.05),MLNLs分泌TGF-β水平上升,分泌IL-17水平下降(P<0.05)。结论口服ZCⅡ能够改善CIA小鼠关节炎及组织病理学评分;ZCⅡ可能通过调节MLNLs中Treg/Th17比率及其细胞因子的水平,重新诱导CIA小鼠的免疫平衡,缓解关节炎症。