IMMUNOLOGICAL STUDY ON ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT OF COLLAGEN-INDUCED ARTHRITIS IN CX43-KNOCK-OUT RATS

Objective To observe the therapeutic effect of acupuncture for collagen-induced arthritis （CIA） in Cx43 knock-out mice and its underlying immunological mechanism.Methods Heterozygote （Cx43^＋/-） mice （n=64） and wild-type （Cx43^＋/＋） mice （n=46） were used in the present study.CIA model was es- tablished by intracutaneous injection of bovine collagenⅡ（immunonization）.Acupuncture of Zúsānlǐ（足三里ST36） was carried out from the 4^th week on after the initial immunization,once a day for 3 weeks.Arthritis score and days of onset of CIA were recorded.Intracellular contents of Th subgroups of splenic lymphocytes were detected with flow cytometry.Results The incidence rate of CIA and arthritis score in Cx43^＋/- mice were significantly lower than those in Cx43^＋/＋ mice （P〈0.05）.In Cx43^＋/＋ mice,3 weeks after acupuncture treatment,the score of arthritis symptoms and signs in acupuncture group was significantly lower than that in model group （P〈0.01）,while in Cx43^＋/- mice,no significant difference was found between model group and acupuncture group in arthritis score （P〉0.05）.In comparison with control group,percentages of both Thl and Th2 and Th1/Th2 increased significantly in 0x43^＋/＋ CIA model group （P〈0.05）,while compared with model group,the percentage of Th1,Th2 and Th1/Th2 in acupuncture group decreased evidently （P〈0.05） or moderately,showing that acupuncture can effectively suppress arthritis-induced increase of Thl in Cx43^＋/＋ mice.In 0x43^＋/- mice,Th1 level and Th1/Th2 of CIA model group increased considerably in comparison with control group （P〈0.05）,while compared with model group,the Th1,Th2 and Th1/Th2 of acupuncture group had no significant changes （P〉0.05）,indicating that the effect of acupuncture in suppressing increase of Th1 percent and Th1/Th2 was eliminated.Conclusion Acupuncture of Zúsānlǐ（足三里ST 36） can effectively relieve CIA symptoms and signs and inhibit increase of splenic Th1 in Cx43^＋/＋ mice but has no any effect on CIA score,Th1,Th2 and Th1/Th2 in Cx43^＋/- mice.It shows the effect of acupuncture in improving CIA is closely related to Cx43 gene.

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.

Effectiveness of Huai Qi Huang Granules on Juvenile Collagen-induced Arthritis and Its Influence on Pyroptosis Pathway in Synovial Tissue

Summary:Huai Qi Huang(HQH)exerts great effects in clinic,such as anti-inflammation,immune-regulation,anti-cancer,and so on.However,the mechanism by which HQH protects juvenile idiopathic arthritis(JIA)is obscure.Thus,we explored deeply the protective mechanisms in juvenile collagen-induced arthritis(CIA)rat model.Pyroptosis is Gasdermin D(GSDMD)-dependent programmed cell death,involved in many diseases,such as sepsis.We investigated whether GSDMD-induced pyroptosis take part in mechanisms of juvenile CIA arthritis.Juvenile Wistar rats(3-4 weeks)were injected intradermally with fully emulsified bovine typeⅡcollagen and complete Freund's adjuvant to establish CIA rat models.Later,the CIA rats received oral administration of HQH(4.16 g/kg)once a day from the day 21 of modeling,with the treatment lasting for 28 days.Varieties of indicators were measured for evaluation of anti-inflammation effect of HQH,including hind paw swelling,arthritis scores,micro CT,and histopathological changes and the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the serum,including tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α)and interleukin-18(IL-18).The expression of GSDMD and caspasein the joint synovial tissues was detected.The results demonstrated that the expression of the pyroptotic protein GSDMD and its upstream caspase-1 was significantly increased in the synovial tissues of CIA rats.The treatment of HQH ameliorated the symptoms in CIA rats,reduced levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and hind paw swelling,down-regulated the expression of GDSMD and caspase-1.GSDMDinduced pyroptosis participated in the pathogenesis of CIA rats.The study supported that HQH can effectively improve joints inflammation of juvenile collagen-induced arthritis rats by inhibiting pyroptosis pathway in the joint synovial tissues.

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.

Therapeutic Actions of the Chinese Herbal Formulae with Cold and Heat Properties and Their Effects on Ultrastructures of Synoviocytes in Rats of the Collagen-Induced Arthritis

The therapeutic actions of Qing Luo Yin (QLY清络饮) with heat property and Wen Luo Yin (WLY温络饮) with cold property on pain, swelling of the ankle, arthritis index and ultrastructures of synoviocytes were compared in rats of type II collagen-induced arthritis (CIA), with tripterygium glycosidorum (TG) used as control. The results indicated that both QLY and WLY could reduce pain, swelling of the ankle and the arthritis index of CIA, and QLY had better effects in reducing the swelling of the ankle and controlling the secondary pathological lesions as compared with WLY. Investigation on the ultrastructures of synoviocytes indicated that both QLY and WLY could reduce the number of Golgi apparatus, rough surface endoplasmic reticulum, dense bodies, matrix filaments and vacuoles so as to suppress the excessive secretion of synoviocytes in rats of CIA.

Distinct Cytokine Profiles in Patients with Oligoarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis after <i>in</i><i>Vitro</i>Blockade of Interleukin (IL)-1 and Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-α

Oligoarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (oJIA) is an antigen-driven and lymphocyte-mediated autoimmune disorder with irregularity in the adaptive immune system. Auto reactive T cells, activated by cartilage-derived auto antigens, produce pro-inflammatory cytokines as IFN-γ and IL-17. Failure of regulatory T cells leads to decreased anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 production and results in the loss of immune tolerance. This activation of innate and adaptive immunity stimulates the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-α. Thus, inhibition of these cytokines is considered as an appropriate therapeutic strategy for oJIA. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the blockade of a single cytokine pathway in the present cytokine setting causes an unfavourable imbalance in the cytokine system or whether the blockade is sufficient to suppress the inflammatory condition. We examined the cytokine secretion after in vitro inhibition of IL-1 and TNF-α of patients with oJIA and healthy subjects. This single center cohort study consisted of oJIA affected children and control subjects. Cytokine profiles from cell culture supernatants were examined with multiplex fluorescent bead immunoassay by flow cytometry. Adalimumab prevents highly effective and very selective effect of the cytokine TNF-α. Due to its structure, the mode of action of etanercept is difficult to display. In addition, adalimumab and etanercept appear in vitro suppressive to IFN-γ. The efficiency of both substances is particularly supported by the increased secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-4. In contrast, anakinra unselectively inhibits the pro-inflammatory macrophage cytokines. To conclude, our observations suggest that inhibition of IL-1 or TNF-α may contribute to the unselective decline of other pro-inflammatory cytokines in oJIA patients. The selective anti-inflammatory effect of cytokine inhibitors is most likely supported by an increase of IL-4 or IL-10. It still remains to be elucidated whether the reduced IFN-γ secretion is maybe causative for the increased susceptibility to infections with opportunistic pathogens.

The effects of Fumaderm~ on immunological function and cytokines in a rat model of adjuvant-induced arthritis

Objective To study the therapeutic effect of Fumaderm in Freund’s complete adjuvant-induced arthritis(AIA)in Spraque-Dawley rats.Methods Adjuvant-induced arthritis(AIA)was established by intradermal injection of 0.1 mL of Freund’s complete adjuvant(CFA)in the palmar surface of the right hindpaw and Fumaderm was delivered by oral gavage for 28 days.After CFA injection,the edema of the hindpaw was determined every two days.On 28 days after CFA injection,the lymphocyte subsets of peripheral blood and the cytokines were determined by flow cytometry,meanwhile the histopathological examination of ankle-joints of the animals was performed.Results Fumaderm had a significant therapeutic effect on AIA.The hindpaw swelling was reduced significantly in a dose-dependent manner.The ratio of peripheral blood T lymphocytes was improved obviously.Multiparameter cytokine analysis from peripheral blood CD4+ T cells showed a decrease of proinflammatory cytokines and an increase of anti-inflammatory cytokines in Fumaderm treated animals.A strongly reduced inflammatory response in the joint synovium was observed.Conclusion Fumaderm has potential anti-inflammatory effects on AIA rats.Further investigation is needed to elucidate the molecular mechanism involved in the clinical effect observed in the AIA model.

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.

Distinct Cytokine Profiles in Patients with Oligoarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis after <i>in</i><i>Vitro</i>Blockade of T Cells by Cyclosporine and Abatacept

Oligoarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (oJIA) is an antigen-driven and lymphocyte-mediated disorder affecting the adaptive immune system. Auto reactive T cells produce pro-inflammatory cytokines as IFN-γ and IL-17. Failure of regulatory T cells leads to decreased production of anti-inflammatory IL-10 and results in the loss of immune tolerance. Therapeutic strategies suppress T cell dependent immune responses and consequently inhibit the process of inflammation. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of T cell suppression on the cytokine network in oJIA patients. Therefore we examined the cytokine concentration after in vitro inhibition of T cells by cyclosporine and abatacept in patients with persistent oJIA and healthy control subjects. This single center cohort study consisted of oJIA affected children and control subjects. Cytokine profiles from cell culture supernatants were examined with multiplex fluorescent bead immunoassay by flow cytometry. High amounts of IL-17 were only observed in the collective of oJIA patients after T cell stimulation. Cyclosporine suppresses its concentration effectively. IL-2 and IFN-γ are present in both groups. We found IL-6 and TNF-α in high concentrations after T cell activation. While TNF-α concentration is suppressed by both drugs, IL-6 concentration remains high in oJIA patients. Concentrations of IL-4 and IL-10 were not found to be influenced in status of activation or suppression. In conclusion, the results of the present study imply that IL-17 is the crucial T cell cytokine in oligoarticular JIA. Only cyclosporine could inhibit the secretion of IL-17 effectively. IL-2 and IFN-γ are not specific for oligoarticular JIA. Both cytokines are found as well in healthy control subjects after T cell stimulation. Relevant pro-inflammatory macrophage cytokines in oligoarticular JIA are TNF-α and IL-6. T cell suppression by cyclosporine and abatacept inhibits TNF-α but not IL-6 effectively. Production of anti-inflammatory cytokines is not influenced by T cell suppression.

Immunopathogenesis of reactive arthritis:Role of the cytokines

Reactive arthritis （ReA）, also known as sterile postin-fectious arthritis, belongs to the group of related ar-thropathies known as spondyloarthritis （SpA）. ReA can arise 1-4 wk after a gastrointestinal or genitourinary infection, but once arthritis develops, the microorgan-ism is not found in the joint. The classical microbes as-sociated with ReA development include Gram-negative aerobic or microaerophilic bacteria containing LPS in their outer membrane. The immunopathogenic mechanisms involved in ReA development are still unknown. A hypothesis suggested that the bacteria probably persist outside the joint, at sites such as gut mucosa or lymph nodes, and bacterial antigens might then be transported to the joints. On the other hand, an altered immune response and the unbalanced production of cy-tokines have been reported in subjects with ReA. Currently, there is increased evidence to suggest that both mechanisms would operate in the immunopathogenesis of ReA. In this review we highlight recent advances on the role of cytokines in the ReA. Particularly, we discuss the roles of some pro- and anti-infammatory cytokines involved in the immunopathogenesis of ReA.

Isolation and characteristics of autoreactive T cells specific to aggrecan G1 domain from rheumatoid arthritis patients

Our previous work showed that the cartilage proteoglycan aggrecan could induce an erosive polyarthritis and spondylitis in BALB/c mice and the GI globular domain of the aggrecan (GI) contained the arthritogenic region. To elucidate whether autoreactive T cells to G1 are expressed in rheumatoid arthritis patients, we analyzed the frequency of human G1-specific T cells in the peripheral blood of five rheumatoid arthritis patients and tried to establish G1-reactive T cell lines from these rheumatoid arthritis patients. The results showed that the G1-specific T cells in PBL were detectable at the range of 4.97 ±0.5 ×10-6 in peripheral blood lymphocytes. We have also generated 15 G1-specific T lymphocyte lines from these pateints with a standard split-well method. All these cells expressed fine specificity to human recombinant G1, but not to unrelated antigen. All the 15 lines expressed a panT cell marker and 13 of them selectively used the αβ T cell receptor. Two of them used rye T cell receptor. The 13 of these T cell lines was CD4 positive. One line expressed CD8. One line expressed both CD4 and CD8. Moreover, 14 out of 15 lines expressed the Th-1 cytokine profile, characterized by interferon-γpositivity and IL-4 negativity. No Th-2 type cell line was generated. These data provide strong evidence in favor of the presence of autoreactive T cells in the rheumatoid arthritis pateints. What is the mechanism(s) that these autoreactive T cells attack self-target and whether these G1-specific, Th-1 type T cell lines can induce arthritis in immune deficiency mice are currently under investigation.

Role of sphingosine kinase and sphingosine-1-phosphate in inflammatory arthritis

The importance of sphingosine kinase(SphK)and sphingosine-1-phosphate(S1P)in inflammation has been extensively demonstrated.As an intracellular second messenger,S1P plays an important role in calcium signaling and mobilization,and cell proliferation and survival.Activation of various plasma membrane receptors,such as the formyl methionyl leucyl phenylalanine receptor,C5a receptor,and tumor necrosis factor α receptor,leads to a rapid increase in intracellular S1P level via SphK stimulation.SphK and S1P are implicated in various chronic autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, primary Sjgren's syndrome,and inflammatory bowel disease.Recent studies have demonstrated the important role of SphK and S1P in the development of arthritis by regulating the pro-inflammatory responses.These novel pathways represent exciting potential therapeutic targets.

Experimental Study on Anti-adjuvant Arthritis in Rats of Kadsura coccinea

[Objectives] To investigate the therapeutic effect of Kadsura coccinea on adjuvant arthritis( AA) rats and its mechanism from cytokine levels. [Methods] The complete Freund's adjuvant( CFA)-induced AA model of rats was used. The therapeutic effect of K. coccinea on AA rats was evaluated by the articular swelling,arthritis score,immune organ index and hematoxylin-eosin( HE) staining. The content of inflammatory factors TNF-α,IL-6,and IL-1β in the serum of AA rats was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay( ELISA) respectively. [Results]Compared with the model group,the total extract of K. coccinea( KCTE) could significantly inhibit the primary and secondary articular swelling of AA rats,lower the arthritis score and immune organ index,and improve the pathological state of ankles of AA rats. In the groups with a high and middle dosage of KCTE( KCTE-H and KCTE-M),KCTE could significantly reduce the content of TNF-α and IL-6 in the serum of rats,exhibiting a certain dose-effect relationship. [Conclusions]KCTE had significant therapeutic effect on the AA of rats,and the mechanism might be associated with the modulation of immune function and the decrease in the secretion of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6.

Effects of Simvastatin on the Function of Dendritic Cells in Patients with Rheumatic Arthritis

The present study examined the functional profile of dendritic cells (DCs) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and the effects of simvastatin on the function of DCs.A total of 40 patients who was recently diagnosed as having RA were equally assigned to two groups:the routine treatment group (group R) and the routine treatment plus simvastatin group (group R+S).Twenty healthy individuals served as control.The peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated before and 4 weeks after the treatment and then cultured with interleukin-4 (IL-4) and granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulatory factor (GM-CSF) to prepare mature DCs.The expression of co-stimulating factor CD86 on the surface of DCs was assessed by flow cytometry.And the stimulating capacity of DCs was measured by mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR).The contents of cytokines in culture supernatants of DCs in MLR were detected by ELISA.Blood lipids and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were detected.The relationship between the expression of CD86 and the blood CRP level was also investigated.The results showed that,as compared with the control group,the CD86 expression and the level of cytokines secreted by DCs were significantly increased in RA patients and greater stimulating capacity of DCs in MLR was demonstrated in RA patients.T lymphocytes in MLR secreted higher levels of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-2,IL-17,TNF-α and INF-γ) and lower level of anti-inflammation cytokine (IL-10).The function of DCs was markedly weakened and the level of hs-CRP and low-density lipoprotein was substantially lowered in group R+S in comparison to group R.The CD86 expression was positively correlated with hs-CRP.It was concluded that DCs in RA are highly activated and DC-initiated immune reaction may play an important role in the pathogenesis of RA.Simvastatin administration can significantly inhibit the DCs function and reduce the level of hs-CRP,indicating the suppression on inflammatory reaction may be one of the mechanisms by which simvastatin exerts its effect in treating RA.

Muscle wasting in rheumatoid arthritis:The role of oxidative stress

Rheumatoid arthritis(RA), the commonest inflammatory arthritis, is a debilitating disease leading to functional and social disability. In addition to the joints, RA affects several other tissues of the body including the muscle. RA patients have significantly less muscle mass compared to the general population. Several theories have been proposed to explain this. High grade inflammation, a central component in the pathophysiology of the disease, has long been proposed as the key driver of muscle wasting. More recent findings however, indicate that inflammation on its own cannot fully explain the high prevalence of muscle wasting in RA. Thus, thecontribution of other potential confounders, such as nutrition and physical activity, has also been studied. Results indicate that they play a significant role in muscle wasting in RA, but again neither of these factors seems to be able to fully explain the condition. Oxidative stress is one of the major mechanisms thought to contribute to the development and progression of RA but its potential contribution to muscle wasting in these patients has received limited attention. Oxidative stress has been shown to promote muscle wasting in healthy populations and people with several chronic conditions. Moreover, all of the aforementioned potential contributors to muscle wasting in RA(i.e., inflammation, nutrition, and physical activity) may promote pro- or antioxidative mechanisms. This review aims to highlight the importance of oxidative stress as a driving mechanism for muscle wasting in RA and discusses potential interventions that may promote muscle regeneration via reduction in oxidative stress.

The petroleum ether fraction of Celastrus paniculatus Willd. seeds demonstrates antiarthritic effect in adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats

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.

Multifaceted role of TNF-α during the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) a cytokine has been shown to be the key player during the pathogenesis of several autoimmune inflammatory disorders (presumably sterile inflammation) including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Several studies have shown that TNF-α is mainly involved in the proinflammatory responses. However recent studies have reported multifunctional role of TNF-α during the development of RA. Therefore, in this article we have highlighted the distinct functions of TNF-α during pathogenesis of RA.

Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Decoction suppresses inflammation and bone destruction in collagen-induced arthritis mice

Objective: Rheumatoid arthritis(RA) is a chronic inflammatory and destructive arthritis, characterized by inflammatory infiltration and bone destruction. Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Decoction(HGWD) is traditional Chinese medicine, which has been applied in the treatment of RA in clinical. The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effect of HGWD on collagen-induced arthritis(CIA) mouse model.Methods: DBA/1J female mice were used to establish the collagen-induced arthritis(CIA) model. HGWD was administered intragastrically once a day for four weeks starting on the 22nd day after the first immunization. The body weight, hind paw thickness and clinical score were measured every five days. Gait analysis, histopathological staining, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA), ultrasound imaging and micro-computed tomography imaging were performed to determine the effects of HGWD treatment on inflammation and bone structure in this model. Moreover, Real-time PCR and Western blot analysis were used to detect inflammatory factors m RNA and protein levels after HGWD intervention in RAW264.7 cells.Results: HGWD attenuated symptoms of arthritis, suppressed inflammatory synovium area and the serum levels of inflammatory factors, inhibited joint space enlargement in the knee and ankle joints,reduced numbers of osteoclasts, protected bone destruction, as well as improved motor function.HGWD decreased the expression of m RNA for inflammatory factors and the protein expression levels of p-NF-ΚB and IL-17.Conclusion: These results suggested that HGWD suppresses inflammation, attenuates bone erosion and maintains motor function in collagen-induced arthritis mice.

Analysis of Association between Interleukin-6 (IL6), Interleukin-13 (IL13) and Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha (TNF-alpha) Gene Polymorphisms and Genetic Susceptibility of Rheumatoid Arthritis in Kuwaiti Arab

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common autoimmune disease in which a combination of risk alleles from different susceptibility genes predisposes the patients to develop clinical symptoms following exposure to environmental factors. RA is a chronic and progressive disease characterized by synovial inflammation that results in destruction in the affected joints and severe problems in individual’s mobility. Several immune-related risk factors have been associated with RA, these include single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in cytokine genes. The impact of these cytokine gene polymorphisms is due to their association either with elevated serum levels and/or variations in their serum levels are associated with disease-onset and progression. The objective of this study was to investigate the role of Interleukin-6 (IL6), Interleukin-13 (IL13) and Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) gene polymorphisms in genetic susceptibility of RA in Kuwaiti patients. Methods: We have determined the genotypes of IL6 gene (-174G/C;rs1800795), IL13 gene (R130Q;rs20541) and TNF-alpha gene (-308A/G' rs1800629) polymorphisms in 192 Kuwaiti patients with RA and compared it to that in 104 healthy controls. The diagnosis of RA was based on the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) classification criteria. The genotypes for IL6, IL13 and TNF-alpha gene polymorphisms were determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) methods and confirmed by DNA sequencing. Results: The frequency of IL6 gene (-174G/C;rs1800795) and TNF-alpha gene (-308A/G' rs1800629) polymorphisms manifested a statistically significant difference between Kuwaiti RA patients and controls (P = 0.02 and 0.002 respectively). In contrast, the frequency of IL13 gene (R130Q;rs20541) polymorphism did not show a significant difference between Kuwaiti RA patients and controls. Conclusions: Our data showed an association of two cytokine gene polymorphisms (i.e. IL6 gene -174G/C;rs1800795 polymorphism, and TNF-alpha gene -308A/G, rs1800629 polymorphism) with RA in Kuwaiti patients highlighting their significant contribution in genetic susceptibility of this chronic disease possibly along with other factors.