BACKGROUND Tumoral calcinosis is a condition characterized by deposits of calcium phosphate crystals in extra-articular soft tissues,occurring in hemodialysis patients.Calcium phosphate crystals are mainly composed of...BACKGROUND Tumoral calcinosis is a condition characterized by deposits of calcium phosphate crystals in extra-articular soft tissues,occurring in hemodialysis patients.Calcium phosphate crystals are mainly composed of hydroxyapatite,which is highly infilt-rative to tissues,thus making complete resection difficult.An adjuvant method to remove or resolve the residual crystals during the operation is necessary.CASE SUMMARY A bicarbonate Ringer’s solution with bicarbonate ions(28 mEq/L)was used as the adjuvant.After resecting calcium phosphate deposits of tumoral calcinosis as much as possible,while filling with the solution,residual calcium phosphate deposits at the pseudocyst wall can be gently scraped by fingers or gauze in the operative field.A 49-year-old female undergoing hemodialysis for 15 years had swelling with calcium deposition for 2 years in the shoulders,bilateral hip joints,and the right foot.A shoulder lesion was resected,but the calcification remained and early re-deposition was observed.Considering the difficulty of a complete rection,we devised a bicarbonate dissolution method and excised the foot lesion.After resection of the calcified material,the residual calcified material was washed away with bicarbonate Ringer’s solution.CONCLUSION The bicarbonate dissolution method is a new,simple,and effective treatment for tumoral calcinosis in hemodialysis patients.展开更多
Objective:Celastrus paniculatus(CP)Willd.is a plant indigenous to India with medicinal properties.It is used in the ayurvedic treatment of inflammatory ailments such as rheumatoid arthritis.The present study was desig...Objective:Celastrus paniculatus(CP)Willd.is a plant indigenous to India with medicinal properties.It is used in the ayurvedic treatment of inflammatory ailments such as rheumatoid arthritis.The present study was designed to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of the petroleum ether fraction(PCP)obtained from CP seeds on adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats.Methods:Arthritis was induced in SpragueeDawley rats by immunization with Freund’s complete adjuvant(FCA).Arthritis severity was evaluated by arthritis score,paw volume,tibiotarsal joint thickness,body weight,dorsal flexion pain,motility test,stair climbing ability and index of thymus and spleen.Moreover,histopathology of knee joints supported by haematological analysis was used to assess the anti-arthritic action of PCP.The levels of superoxide dismutase(SOD),glutathione(GSH),catalase(CAT),nitric oxide(NO)and malondialdehyde(MDA)in liver were also assessed.Serum samples were collected for estimation of aspartate transaminase(AST),alanine transaminase(ALT)and alkaline phosphatase(ALP).In addition,cytokines such as tumour necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-a)and interleukin-6(IL-6)were estimated in plasma.Results:PCP significantly alleviated arthritic progression with regards to paw swelling,arthritic score,immune organ indices,hyperalgesic effect and body weight.This phenomenon was correlated with significant suppression of overproduction of inflammatory cytokines(TNFa and IL-6),oxidant stress markers(MDA and NO)and cellular enzyme(AST,ALT and ALP)levels versus arthritic rats without treatment.Moreover,PCP restored the decreased levels of SOD,CAT and GSH.Conclusion:Our results suggest that the anti-arthritic properties of PCP may be due to immunosuppressive effects,cytokine regulation,antioxidant effects and bone-protective activities.展开更多
AIM:To investigate the effect of human umbilical cord stem cells,both mesenchymal and hematopoietic(CD34+),in the treatment of arthritis.METHODS:Mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs) and hematopoietic(CD34+) stem cells(HSC) we...AIM:To investigate the effect of human umbilical cord stem cells,both mesenchymal and hematopoietic(CD34+),in the treatment of arthritis.METHODS:Mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs) and hematopoietic(CD34+) stem cells(HSC) were isolated from human umbilical cord blood obtained from the umbilical cord of healthy pregnant donors undergoing fullterm normal vaginal delivery.MSC,HSC,methotrexate(MTX) and sterile saline were injected intra-articularly into the rat hindpaw with complete freunds adjuvant(CFA) induced arthritis after the onset of disease(day 34),when arthritis had become well established(arthritis score ≥ 2).Arthritic indices were evaluated and the levels of interleukin(IL)-1,tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α and interferon(IFN)-γ and anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in serum were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Animals of all groups were sacrificed 34 d after beginning treatment,except positive control(PC) which was sacrificed at 10,21 and 34 d for microscopic observation of disease progression.We used hematoxylin,eosin and Masson's trichrome stains for histopathological examination of cartilage and synovium.RESULTS:The mean arthritis scores were similar in all groups at 12 and 34 d post immunization,with no statistical significant difference.Upon the injection of stem cells(hematopoietic and mesenchymal),the overall arthritis signs were significantly improved around 21 d after receiving the injection and totally disappeared at day 34 post treatment in MSC group.Mean hindpaw diameter(mm) in the MSC rats was about half that of the PC and MTX groups(P = 0.007 and P = 0.021,respectively) and 0.6 mm less than the HSC group(P = 0.047),as indicated by paw swelling.Associated with these findings,serum levels of TNF-α,IFN-γ and IL-1 decreased significantly in HSC and MSC groups compared to PC and MTX groups(P < 0.05),while the expression of IL-10 was increased.Histopathological examination with H and E stain revealed that the MTX treated group showed significant reduction of leucocytic infiltrate and hypertrophy of the synovial tissue with moderate obliteration of the joint cavity.Stem cells treated groups(both hematopoietic CD34+ and mesenchymal),showed significant reduction in leucocytic infiltrate and hypertrophy of the synovial tissue with mild obliteration of the joint cavity.With Masson's trichrome,stain sections from the PC group showed evidence of vascular edema of almost all vessels within the synovium in nearly all arthritic rats.Vacuoles were also visible in the outer vessel wall.The vessel became hemorrhagic and finally necrotic.In addition,there was extensive fibrosis completely obliterating the joint cavity.The mean color area percentage of collagen in this group was 0.324 ± 0.096,which was significantly increased when compared to the negative control group.The mean color area percentage of collagen in hematopoietic CD34+ and mesenchymal groups was 0.176 ± 0.0137 and 0.174 ± 0.0197 respectively,which showed a marked decrement compared to the PC group,denoting a mild increase in synovial tissue collagen fibers.CONCLUSION:MSC enhance the efficacy of CFAinduced arthritis treatment,most likely through the modulation of the expression of cytokines and amelioration of pathological changes in joints.展开更多
AIM To investigate the safety and efficacy of S-1 plus oxaliplatin(SOX) as an adjuvant chemotherapy regimen in gastric cancer(GC) after D2 dissection.METHODS GC Patients who underwent D2 gastrectomy from September 200...AIM To investigate the safety and efficacy of S-1 plus oxaliplatin(SOX) as an adjuvant chemotherapy regimen in gastric cancer(GC) after D2 dissection.METHODS GC Patients who underwent D2 gastrectomy from September 2009 to December 2011 in four Chinese institutions were enrolled. Patients with stage ⅠB-ⅢC GC, who received adjuvant SOX treatment were matched by propensity scores with those who underwent surgery alone and those who conducted capecitabine plus oxaliplatin(XELOX) regimen. Disease-free survival(DFS) and overall survival(OS) were compared among the groups. In addition, adverse events in SOX patients were analyzed.Of 1944 GC patients who underwent D2 dissection, 867 were included for analysis. One hundred and seventeen patients treated with SOX were matched to 234 patients who conducted surgery alone. Fifty-seven patients treated with SOX were matched to 57 patients who received XELOX. The estimated five-year DFS was 57.5% in the adjuvant SOX group which was higher than that(44.6%) in the surgery alone group(P = 0.001); and the estimated five-year OS was 68.3% which was higher than that(45.8%) of surgery alone group(P < 0.001). Survival benefit was also revealed in stage III and > 60 years old subgroups(P < 0.001 and P = 0.015, respectively). Compared with XELOX regimen, SOX showed no significant difference in DFS(P = 0.340) and OS(P = 0.361). The most common ≥ 3 grade adverse events of SOX regimen were neutropenia(22.6%), leukopenia(8.9%) and thrombocytopenia(5.6%).CONCLUSION Compared with surgery alone, SOX regimen significantly improves the long-term survival and has acceptable toxicity in patients with stage ⅠB-ⅢC GC after D2 dissection. It may be a novel adjuvant chemotherapy regimen in GC patients.展开更多
This review aims to summarize the currently viable vaccine strategies including the approved vaccines and the those in trials for next-generation malaria vaccines.Data on malaria vaccine development was collected thro...This review aims to summarize the currently viable vaccine strategies including the approved vaccines and the those in trials for next-generation malaria vaccines.Data on malaria vaccine development was collected through a comprehensive review.The literature search was performed using databases including Google Scholar,PubMed,NIH,and Web of Science.Various novel approaches of vaccination are being developed,including those based on radiation-attenuated strategies,monoclonal antibodies,targeted immunogenic peptides,RNA and DNA vaccines,nanoparticle-based vaccines,protein-based vaccination protocols,and whole organism-based vaccination strategies.Trials on RTS,S have entered phase Ⅲtesting,and those based on blood-stage vaccines and vaccines to interrupt malarial transmission have advanced to higher stages of trials.Mathematical modeling,combined drug and vaccine strategies,mass drug administration,polyvalent vaccine formulations,and targeted vaccination campaigns is playing an important role in malarial prevention.Furthermore,assessing coverage,accessibility,acceptability,deployment,compilation,and adherence to specific vaccination strategies in endemic regions is essential for vaccination drives against malaria.展开更多
Objective:To establish a collagen type II-induced rat model of rheumatoid arthritis(RA)presenting characteristics of the human form of the traditional Chinese syndrome pattern of toxic heat-stasis painful obstruction(...Objective:To establish a collagen type II-induced rat model of rheumatoid arthritis(RA)presenting characteristics of the human form of the traditional Chinese syndrome pattern of toxic heat-stasis painful obstruction(bi zheng;arthromyodynia)as well as pathologic features of active RA.The Chinese herbal medicine Tengmei decoction was used to validate the animal model.Methods:Ninety specific pathogen free Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a normal group of 6 rats and a model group of 84 rats.To establish the rat model of collageninduced arthritis(CIA),bovine type II collagen in complete Freund’s adjuvant was injected into the model group rats as a priming dose(Day 0)and boosting dose(Day 9).Changes in arthritic index(AI)scores,including limb swelling,were monitored.Thereafter,24 successfullyestablished CIA rats were randomly assigned to 4 groups with 6 animals each:model,positive control drug,high-dose traditional Chinese herbal medicine,and traditional Chinese herbal medicine.A blank control group of 6 rats was included.After 12 weeks of intervention with Tengmei decoction,articular synovial tissue and serum specimens were collected to detect interleukin-2(IL-2)and IL-17 transcription and protein expression levels.展开更多
Objective:To evaluate the anti-arthritic effect of aqueous and methanolic extracts of Distemonanthus benthamianus.Methods:Monoarthritis was induced by an injection of 0.3 mL zymosan A(0.9%NaCl,v/v)in the right posteri...Objective:To evaluate the anti-arthritic effect of aqueous and methanolic extracts of Distemonanthus benthamianus.Methods:Monoarthritis was induced by an injection of 0.3 mL zymosan A(0.9%NaCl,v/v)in the right posterior knee joints of rats.Then,joint diameter and pain threshold were determined.Polyarthritis was induced by an intracaudal injection of complete Freund’s adjuvant and rats were treated from day 14 post 1st complete Freund’s adjuvant injection until 28 day.The clinical,hematological,biochemical and oxidative stress parameters were evaluated.In addition,histological analysis of the knee joint was perfomed in both tests.Results:The aqueous and methanolic extracts of Distemonanthus benthamianus at a dose of 500 mg/kg ameliorated zymosan A-induced monoarthritis,as evidenced by reduced joint diameter,increased pain threshold,as well as improved joint architecture.In addition,both extracts of Distemonanthus benthamianus markedly increased body weight and pain threshold,while reducing paw edema in polyarthritic rats.They also led to a marked decrease in platelets and white blood cells(P<0.05),as well as a significant increase in red blood cells,hemoglobin and hematocrit(P<0.05).The aqueous and methanolic extracts of Distemonanthus benthamianus significantly reduced alanine aminotransferase,aspartate aminotransferase,alkaline phosphatase activities,while increasing serum protein levels(P<0.05)with no significant variation in creatinine level.Moreover,both extracts increased catalase and glutathione activities(P<0.05),and inhibited malondialdehyde and nitric oxide production(P<0.01 and P<0.001)in the liver and kidneys.Histological analysis of the joints showed that both extracts triggered tissue reparation.Conclusions:Distemonanthus benthamianus could be used as a potential candidate in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.展开更多
文摘BACKGROUND Tumoral calcinosis is a condition characterized by deposits of calcium phosphate crystals in extra-articular soft tissues,occurring in hemodialysis patients.Calcium phosphate crystals are mainly composed of hydroxyapatite,which is highly infilt-rative to tissues,thus making complete resection difficult.An adjuvant method to remove or resolve the residual crystals during the operation is necessary.CASE SUMMARY A bicarbonate Ringer’s solution with bicarbonate ions(28 mEq/L)was used as the adjuvant.After resecting calcium phosphate deposits of tumoral calcinosis as much as possible,while filling with the solution,residual calcium phosphate deposits at the pseudocyst wall can be gently scraped by fingers or gauze in the operative field.A 49-year-old female undergoing hemodialysis for 15 years had swelling with calcium deposition for 2 years in the shoulders,bilateral hip joints,and the right foot.A shoulder lesion was resected,but the calcification remained and early re-deposition was observed.Considering the difficulty of a complete rection,we devised a bicarbonate dissolution method and excised the foot lesion.After resection of the calcified material,the residual calcified material was washed away with bicarbonate Ringer’s solution.CONCLUSION The bicarbonate dissolution method is a new,simple,and effective treatment for tumoral calcinosis in hemodialysis patients.
基金The authors are grateful for the financial support from the University Grant Commission(UGC),India(No.F 5-63/2007).The authors also wish to thank Dr Dnyaneshwar Nagmoti,Mr Nitin Gawali and Ms Sarayu Pai who contributed to this study.
文摘Objective:Celastrus paniculatus(CP)Willd.is a plant indigenous to India with medicinal properties.It is used in the ayurvedic treatment of inflammatory ailments such as rheumatoid arthritis.The present study was designed to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of the petroleum ether fraction(PCP)obtained from CP seeds on adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats.Methods:Arthritis was induced in SpragueeDawley rats by immunization with Freund’s complete adjuvant(FCA).Arthritis severity was evaluated by arthritis score,paw volume,tibiotarsal joint thickness,body weight,dorsal flexion pain,motility test,stair climbing ability and index of thymus and spleen.Moreover,histopathology of knee joints supported by haematological analysis was used to assess the anti-arthritic action of PCP.The levels of superoxide dismutase(SOD),glutathione(GSH),catalase(CAT),nitric oxide(NO)and malondialdehyde(MDA)in liver were also assessed.Serum samples were collected for estimation of aspartate transaminase(AST),alanine transaminase(ALT)and alkaline phosphatase(ALP).In addition,cytokines such as tumour necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-a)and interleukin-6(IL-6)were estimated in plasma.Results:PCP significantly alleviated arthritic progression with regards to paw swelling,arthritic score,immune organ indices,hyperalgesic effect and body weight.This phenomenon was correlated with significant suppression of overproduction of inflammatory cytokines(TNFa and IL-6),oxidant stress markers(MDA and NO)and cellular enzyme(AST,ALT and ALP)levels versus arthritic rats without treatment.Moreover,PCP restored the decreased levels of SOD,CAT and GSH.Conclusion:Our results suggest that the anti-arthritic properties of PCP may be due to immunosuppressive effects,cytokine regulation,antioxidant effects and bone-protective activities.
文摘AIM:To investigate the effect of human umbilical cord stem cells,both mesenchymal and hematopoietic(CD34+),in the treatment of arthritis.METHODS:Mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs) and hematopoietic(CD34+) stem cells(HSC) were isolated from human umbilical cord blood obtained from the umbilical cord of healthy pregnant donors undergoing fullterm normal vaginal delivery.MSC,HSC,methotrexate(MTX) and sterile saline were injected intra-articularly into the rat hindpaw with complete freunds adjuvant(CFA) induced arthritis after the onset of disease(day 34),when arthritis had become well established(arthritis score ≥ 2).Arthritic indices were evaluated and the levels of interleukin(IL)-1,tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α and interferon(IFN)-γ and anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in serum were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Animals of all groups were sacrificed 34 d after beginning treatment,except positive control(PC) which was sacrificed at 10,21 and 34 d for microscopic observation of disease progression.We used hematoxylin,eosin and Masson's trichrome stains for histopathological examination of cartilage and synovium.RESULTS:The mean arthritis scores were similar in all groups at 12 and 34 d post immunization,with no statistical significant difference.Upon the injection of stem cells(hematopoietic and mesenchymal),the overall arthritis signs were significantly improved around 21 d after receiving the injection and totally disappeared at day 34 post treatment in MSC group.Mean hindpaw diameter(mm) in the MSC rats was about half that of the PC and MTX groups(P = 0.007 and P = 0.021,respectively) and 0.6 mm less than the HSC group(P = 0.047),as indicated by paw swelling.Associated with these findings,serum levels of TNF-α,IFN-γ and IL-1 decreased significantly in HSC and MSC groups compared to PC and MTX groups(P < 0.05),while the expression of IL-10 was increased.Histopathological examination with H and E stain revealed that the MTX treated group showed significant reduction of leucocytic infiltrate and hypertrophy of the synovial tissue with moderate obliteration of the joint cavity.Stem cells treated groups(both hematopoietic CD34+ and mesenchymal),showed significant reduction in leucocytic infiltrate and hypertrophy of the synovial tissue with mild obliteration of the joint cavity.With Masson's trichrome,stain sections from the PC group showed evidence of vascular edema of almost all vessels within the synovium in nearly all arthritic rats.Vacuoles were also visible in the outer vessel wall.The vessel became hemorrhagic and finally necrotic.In addition,there was extensive fibrosis completely obliterating the joint cavity.The mean color area percentage of collagen in this group was 0.324 ± 0.096,which was significantly increased when compared to the negative control group.The mean color area percentage of collagen in hematopoietic CD34+ and mesenchymal groups was 0.176 ± 0.0137 and 0.174 ± 0.0197 respectively,which showed a marked decrement compared to the PC group,denoting a mild increase in synovial tissue collagen fibers.CONCLUSION:MSC enhance the efficacy of CFAinduced arthritis treatment,most likely through the modulation of the expression of cytokines and amelioration of pathological changes in joints.
基金Supported by the Thousand Talents of Program of High-end Innovation of Qinghai Province in China(For Jiuda Zhao)the Clinical Oncology Medical Center of Qinghai Province in China,No.2018-SF-113
文摘AIM To investigate the safety and efficacy of S-1 plus oxaliplatin(SOX) as an adjuvant chemotherapy regimen in gastric cancer(GC) after D2 dissection.METHODS GC Patients who underwent D2 gastrectomy from September 2009 to December 2011 in four Chinese institutions were enrolled. Patients with stage ⅠB-ⅢC GC, who received adjuvant SOX treatment were matched by propensity scores with those who underwent surgery alone and those who conducted capecitabine plus oxaliplatin(XELOX) regimen. Disease-free survival(DFS) and overall survival(OS) were compared among the groups. In addition, adverse events in SOX patients were analyzed.Of 1944 GC patients who underwent D2 dissection, 867 were included for analysis. One hundred and seventeen patients treated with SOX were matched to 234 patients who conducted surgery alone. Fifty-seven patients treated with SOX were matched to 57 patients who received XELOX. The estimated five-year DFS was 57.5% in the adjuvant SOX group which was higher than that(44.6%) in the surgery alone group(P = 0.001); and the estimated five-year OS was 68.3% which was higher than that(45.8%) of surgery alone group(P < 0.001). Survival benefit was also revealed in stage III and > 60 years old subgroups(P < 0.001 and P = 0.015, respectively). Compared with XELOX regimen, SOX showed no significant difference in DFS(P = 0.340) and OS(P = 0.361). The most common ≥ 3 grade adverse events of SOX regimen were neutropenia(22.6%), leukopenia(8.9%) and thrombocytopenia(5.6%).CONCLUSION Compared with surgery alone, SOX regimen significantly improves the long-term survival and has acceptable toxicity in patients with stage ⅠB-ⅢC GC after D2 dissection. It may be a novel adjuvant chemotherapy regimen in GC patients.
文摘This review aims to summarize the currently viable vaccine strategies including the approved vaccines and the those in trials for next-generation malaria vaccines.Data on malaria vaccine development was collected through a comprehensive review.The literature search was performed using databases including Google Scholar,PubMed,NIH,and Web of Science.Various novel approaches of vaccination are being developed,including those based on radiation-attenuated strategies,monoclonal antibodies,targeted immunogenic peptides,RNA and DNA vaccines,nanoparticle-based vaccines,protein-based vaccination protocols,and whole organism-based vaccination strategies.Trials on RTS,S have entered phase Ⅲtesting,and those based on blood-stage vaccines and vaccines to interrupt malarial transmission have advanced to higher stages of trials.Mathematical modeling,combined drug and vaccine strategies,mass drug administration,polyvalent vaccine formulations,and targeted vaccination campaigns is playing an important role in malarial prevention.Furthermore,assessing coverage,accessibility,acceptability,deployment,compilation,and adherence to specific vaccination strategies in endemic regions is essential for vaccination drives against malaria.
基金This study is subsidized by Chinese National Natural Science Foundation [Key Research Project (90209009) ]Hubei Natural Science Foundation (2002AB124)Foundation for Scientific Research of Huazhong University of Science and Technology
文摘Objective:To establish a collagen type II-induced rat model of rheumatoid arthritis(RA)presenting characteristics of the human form of the traditional Chinese syndrome pattern of toxic heat-stasis painful obstruction(bi zheng;arthromyodynia)as well as pathologic features of active RA.The Chinese herbal medicine Tengmei decoction was used to validate the animal model.Methods:Ninety specific pathogen free Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a normal group of 6 rats and a model group of 84 rats.To establish the rat model of collageninduced arthritis(CIA),bovine type II collagen in complete Freund’s adjuvant was injected into the model group rats as a priming dose(Day 0)and boosting dose(Day 9).Changes in arthritic index(AI)scores,including limb swelling,were monitored.Thereafter,24 successfullyestablished CIA rats were randomly assigned to 4 groups with 6 animals each:model,positive control drug,high-dose traditional Chinese herbal medicine,and traditional Chinese herbal medicine.A blank control group of 6 rats was included.After 12 weeks of intervention with Tengmei decoction,articular synovial tissue and serum specimens were collected to detect interleukin-2(IL-2)and IL-17 transcription and protein expression levels.
文摘Objective:To evaluate the anti-arthritic effect of aqueous and methanolic extracts of Distemonanthus benthamianus.Methods:Monoarthritis was induced by an injection of 0.3 mL zymosan A(0.9%NaCl,v/v)in the right posterior knee joints of rats.Then,joint diameter and pain threshold were determined.Polyarthritis was induced by an intracaudal injection of complete Freund’s adjuvant and rats were treated from day 14 post 1st complete Freund’s adjuvant injection until 28 day.The clinical,hematological,biochemical and oxidative stress parameters were evaluated.In addition,histological analysis of the knee joint was perfomed in both tests.Results:The aqueous and methanolic extracts of Distemonanthus benthamianus at a dose of 500 mg/kg ameliorated zymosan A-induced monoarthritis,as evidenced by reduced joint diameter,increased pain threshold,as well as improved joint architecture.In addition,both extracts of Distemonanthus benthamianus markedly increased body weight and pain threshold,while reducing paw edema in polyarthritic rats.They also led to a marked decrease in platelets and white blood cells(P<0.05),as well as a significant increase in red blood cells,hemoglobin and hematocrit(P<0.05).The aqueous and methanolic extracts of Distemonanthus benthamianus significantly reduced alanine aminotransferase,aspartate aminotransferase,alkaline phosphatase activities,while increasing serum protein levels(P<0.05)with no significant variation in creatinine level.Moreover,both extracts increased catalase and glutathione activities(P<0.05),and inhibited malondialdehyde and nitric oxide production(P<0.01 and P<0.001)in the liver and kidneys.Histological analysis of the joints showed that both extracts triggered tissue reparation.Conclusions:Distemonanthus benthamianus could be used as a potential candidate in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.