Neuroprotective mechanisms of rutin for spinal cord injury through anti-oxidation and anti-inflammation and inhibition of p38 mitogen activated protein kinase pathway

Rutin has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-viral, anti-tumor and immune regulatory effects. However, the neuroprotective effects of rutin in spinal cord injury are unknown. The p38 mitogen activated protein kinase （p38 MAPK） pathway is the most important member of the MAPK family that controls inflammation. We assumed that the mechanism of rutin in the repair of spinal cord injury is associated with the inhibition of p38 MAPK pathway. Allen’s method was used to establish a rat model of spinal cord injury. The rat model was intraperitoneally injected with rutin （30 mg/kg） for 3 days. After treatment with rutin, Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan locomotor function scores increased. Water content, tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin 1 beta, and interleukin 6 levels, p38 MAPK protein expression and caspase-3 and -9 activities in T8–9 spinal cord decreased. Oxidative stress related markers superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase levels increased in peripheral blood. Rutin exerts neuroprotective effect through anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation, anti-apoptosis and inhibition of p38 MAPK pathway.

Physiological roles of mitogen-activated-protein-kinase-activated p38-regulated/activated protein kinase

Mitogen-activated protein kinases(MAPKs)are a family of proteins that constitute signaling pathways involved in processes that control gene expression,cell division, cell survival,apoptosis,metabolism,differentiation and motility.The MAPK pathways can be divided into conventional and atypical MAPK pathways.The first group converts a signal into a cellular response through a relay of three consecutive phosphorylation events exerted by MAPK kinase kinases,MAPK kinase,and MAPK.Atypical MAPK pathways are not organized into this three-tiered cascade.MAPK that belongs to both conventional and atypical MAPK pathways can phosphorylate both non-protein kinase substrates and other protein kinases.The latter are referred to as MAPK-activated protein kinases.This review focuses on one such MAPK-activated protein kinase,MAPK-activated protein kinase 5(MK5)or p38-regulated/activated protein kinase(PRAK).This protein is highly conserved throughout the animal kingdom and seems to be the target of both conventional and atypical MAPK pathways.Recent findings on the regulation of the activity and subcellular localization,bona fide interaction partners and physiological roles of MK5/PRAK are discussed.

Xuebijing alters tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1beta and p38 mitogen activated protein kinase content in a rat model of cardiac arrest following cardiopulmonary resuscitation

We established a rat model of cardiac arrest by clamping the endotracheal tube of adult rats at expiration. Twenty-four hours after cardiopulmonary resuscitation, nerve cell injury and expression of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and p38 mitogen activated protein kinase content were increased. Rats injected with Xuebijing, a Chinese herb compound preparation, exhibited normal cellular structure and morphology, dense neuronal cytoplasm, and decreased tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and p38 mitogen activated protein kinase expression at 24 hours following cardiopulmonary resuscitation. These data suggest that Xuebijing can attenuate neuronal injury induced by hypoxia and reperfusion during cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Differential activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases by γ-irradi-ation in IEC-6 cells: Role of intracellular Ca^(2+)

Objective: To explore the effects of γ-irradiation on mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and role of intracellular calcium in this event in intestinal epithelial cell line 6 (IEC-6 cells). Methods: After cultured rat IIEC-6 cells with or without the pretreatment of intracellular Ca2+ chelator were exposed to Y-ir-radiation of 6 Gy, the total and phosphorylated MAPKs in the cells were determined with Western blotting and apoptosis was examined with flow cytometry. Activities of Extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) and p38 MAPK were determined by using immuoprecipitation followed by Western blotting. Results: In response to γ-irradiation, phosphorylation of ERK was not significantly observed, while the levels of phosphorylated c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 MAPK were increased in 30 min and reached the peak 2 h after exposure to 6 Gy γ-irradiation, though the cell viability was significantly lowered 12 h. On the other hand, no obvious changes were seen in the total protein levels of ERK, JNK and p38 MAPK. Chelation of intracellular Ca2+ almost completely suppressed the JNK and p38 MAPK phosphorylation induced by γ-irradia-tion, but removal of external Ca2+ had no such effect. Activation of p38 MAPK, but not of ERK, was seen to have a correlation with γ-irradiation induced apoptosis. Conclusion: The results suggest that γ-irradiation is a potent activator for JNK and p38 MAPK, and Ca2+ mobilized from intracellular stores plays an important role in the activation of MAPKs and the induction of apoptosis in IEC-6 cells.

补肾活血方对兔NPMSCs移植治疗退变椎间盘P 38 MAPK信号通路的影响

目的探讨补肾活血方对兔髓核间充质干细胞(nucleus pulposus-derived mesenchymal stem cells,NPMSCs)移植治疗退变椎间盘P 38丝裂原活化蛋白激酶(p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase,P 38 MAPK)信号通路的影响。方法选取128只SPF级健康新西兰大白兔,其中2例用于NPMSCs的获取、纯化及培养,选取24只为假手术组(A组);兔退变椎间盘模型成功100只,模型组(B组,24只)、补肾活血方组(C组,24只)、NPMSCs移植组(D组,24只)、补肾活血方+NPMSCs移植组(E组,24只),死亡6只。每组在治疗前、治疗后1周、治疗后2周、治疗后3周4个时间点均处死6只兔,取相应椎间盘,采用酶联免疫测定每组大兔不同时间点椎间盘P 38 MAPK、基质金属蛋白酶3(matrix metalloproteinase 3,MMP-3)、基质金属蛋白酶7(matrix metalloproteinase 7,MMP-7)的表达。结果(1)各组变化趋势:A组、B组组内不同时间点P 38 MAPK、MMP-3、MMP-7蛋白相对表达差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);C组、D组、E组P 38 MAPK、MMP-3、MMP-7蛋白相对表达与治疗前、治疗后1周、治疗后2周、治疗后3周呈下降趋势,各组组内差异有统计学意义(P<0.01)。(2)与A组比较:B组、C组、D组、E组P38MAPK、MMP-3、MMP-7蛋白相对表达在治疗前、治疗后1周、治疗后2周、治疗后3周均升高,组间差异有统计学意义(P<0.01)。(3)与B组比较:C组、D组、E组P 38 MAPK、MMP-3、MMP-7蛋白相对表达在治疗前差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);在治疗后1周、治疗后2周、治疗后3周均降低,组间差异有统计学意义(P<0.01)。(4)与C组比较:D组P 38 MAPK、MMP-3、MMP-7蛋白相对表达在治疗前、治疗后1周、治疗后2周、治疗后3周时同期差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);E组P 38 MAPK、MMP-3、MMP-7蛋白相对表达在治疗后1周、治疗后2周、治疗后3周均降低,组间差异有统计学意义(P<0.01)。(5)与D组比较:E组P 38 MAPK、MMP-3、MMP-7蛋白相对表达在治疗后1周、治疗后2周、治疗后3周均降低,组间差异有统计学意义(P<0.01)。结论补肾活血方对兔NPMSCs移植治疗退变椎间盘具有协同作用;其机制可能与抑制P 38 MAPK信号通路,下调MMP-3、MMP-7蛋白相关。

p38蛋白激酶(p38 MAPK)在癫大鼠脑内的表达

目的观察p38蛋白激酶(p38mitogen-activated protein kinase,p38MAPK)在癫大鼠脑内的表达情况。方法健康雄性SD大鼠随机分成正常对照组(n=8)和癫组(n=8)。采用戊四氮腹腔注射建立癫模型,大鼠点燃后的惊厥行为按照Racine的标准进行观察评分,采用Western blot和免疫荧光法比较两组大鼠脑内p38MAPK的表达情况。结果癫组大鼠脑内p38MAPK在皮层和海马的表达均显著高于正常对照组(P<0.01)。结论 p38MAPK在癫大鼠脑内表达上调。

锰诱导PC12细胞凋亡与p-38MAPKs的关系

目的 以鼠嗜铬神经瘤细胞 (PC12 )为模型 ,筛选锰对神经细胞增殖抑制作用的时间及剂量 ,观察细胞形态学、细胞周期和生化指标改变与丝裂原活化蛋白激酶 (p38MAPKs)活化表达间的关系。方法 用 2 0 0 ,4 0 0 ,6 0 0 ,80 0μmol/LMnCl2 的培养液 ,分别作用对数生长期PC12细胞 1,2 ,3,4d后 ,用噻唑蓝比色 (MTT)筛选锰的细胞毒性剂量 ;流式细胞仪检测细胞周期分布 ;透射电镜观察细胞形态学变化 ;琼脂糖凝胶电泳检测MnCl2 对PC12细胞基因组DNA的影响。蛋白印迹 (western -blot)法检测 p -p38。结果 MTT实验结果显示 ,2 0 0～ 80 0 μmol/LMnCl2 作用 1,2 ,3,4d对PC12有显著的抑制作用 ,呈剂量和时间依赖趋势 ,6 0 0 μmol/LMnCl2 作用 4d对PC12的抑制率可达 5 0 %以上。流式细胞仪检测实验表明 :6 0 0 μmol/LMnCl2 作用 4d将PC12细胞周期阻滞在S期 ,诱导细胞凋亡 ,与电镜结果一致 ,同样条件下细胞DNA碎片化。Western -blot实验显示 6 0 0 μmol/LMnCl2 作用 1,2 ,3,4dp -p38逐渐升高 ,3d时较对照组增加 6 6倍 (n =3,P <0 0 5 ) ,2 0 0 ,4 0 0 ,6 0 0 μmol/LMnCl2 作用 4d时 ,磷酸化蛋白 38(p - p38)也逐渐升高 ,4 0 0 μmol/LMnCl2 作用 4d时较对照组升高 4 7倍 (n =3,P <0 0 5 )。结论 锰通过MEK3/

特异性p^(38)MAPK抑制剂SB203580对乳鼠小脑颗粒神经元的保护作用

目的 研究 p38丝裂原激活蛋白激酶 (MAPK)选择性抑制剂SB2 0 35 80对乳鼠小脑颗粒神经元凋亡的保护作用。方法 SD乳鼠小脑颗粒神经元培养 ,琼脂糖凝胶电泳 ,SAPK/JNK分析试剂盒作激酶分析。结果 PI 3 K的特异性抑制剂LY2 940 0 2诱导小脑颗粒神经元凋亡 ,但SB2 0 35 80通过抑制细胞凋亡而促进小脑颗粒神经元的存活 ,且有浓度依赖性。LY2 940 0 2诱导凋亡的颗粒神经元中c Jun的表达量和磷酸化水平均升高 ,JNK被激活。但是 ,当小脑颗粒神经元生长在含SB2 0 35 80的高钾培养基中 ,c Jun的表达量、磷酸化水平和JNK的活性都明显的降低。结论 SB2 0 35 80通过抑制JNK的活性 ,降低c Jun的表达和磷酸化水平 。

The involvement of p38 MAPK in transforming growth factor β1-induced apoptosis in murine hepatocytes

We reported in this manuscript that TGF-beta1 induces apoptosis in AML12 murine hepatocytes, which is associated with the activation of p38 MAPK signaling pathway. SB202190, a specific inhibitor of p38 MAPK, strongly inhibited the TGF-beta1-induced apoptosis and PAI-1 promoter activity. Treatment of cells with TGF-beta1 activates p38. Furthermore, over-expression of dominant negative mutant p38 also reduced the TGF-beta1-induced apoptosis. The data indicate that the activation of p38 is involved in TGF-beta1-mediated gene expression and apoptosis.

Downregulation of p38 MAPK Involved in Inhibition of LDL-induced Proliferation of Mesangial Cells and Matrix by Curcumin

Curcumin, as a main pharmacological component in the traditional Chinese medicine-- tttrmeric, has shown anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidation, anti-tumor and anti-fibrotic effects. This study aimed to investigate the possible underlying signaling pathway which was involved in the inhibition of LDL-induced proliferation of mesangial cells and matrix by curcumin. Rat mesangial cells in vitro were incubated with low-density lipoprotein （LDL） and different concentrations of curcumin （0, 6.25, 12.5, 25.0 9mol/L） or p38 MAPK inhibitor, SB203580 （10 μmol/L）. Under LDL incubation, mesangial cells proliferated, the expression of MMP-2 mRNA and protein was decreased, the expression of COX-2 mRNA and protein was increased, reactive oxygen species （ROS） generation was increased and p38 MAPK was activated significantly （P〈0.05）. When LDL-induced cells were treated with curcumin in the concentration of 12.5 or 25.0 μmol/L, LDL-induced proliferation ofmesangial cells was suppressed, the expression of MMP-2 mRNA and protein increased, the expression of COX-2 mRNA and protein downregulated, the production of ROS inhibited and p38 MAPK inactivated （P〈0.05）. In conclusion, curcumin can inhibit the LDL-induced proliferation of mesangial cells and up-regulate the expression of MMP-2, which may be related with the inhibitory effect of curcumin on COX-2 expression, ROS pro- duction and p38 MAPK.

Down-regulation of HIV-1 Infection by Inhibition of the MAPK Signaling Pathway

The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 （HIV-1） can interact with and exploit the host cellular machinery to replicate and propagate itself. Numerous studies have shown that the Mitogen-activated protein kinase （MAPK） signal pathway can positively regulate the replication of HIV-1, but exactly how each MAPK pathway affects HIV-1 infection and replication is not understood. In this study, we used the Extracellular signal-regulated kinase （ERK） pathway inhibitor, PD98059, the Jun N-terminal kinase （JNK） pathway inhibitor, SP600125, and the p38 pathway inhibitor, SB203580, to investigate the roles of these pathways in HIV-1 replication. We found that application of PD98059 results in a strong VSV-G pseudotyped HIV-1NL4-3 luciferase reporter virus and HIV-1NL4-3 virus inhibition activity. In addition, SB203580 and SP600125 also elicited marked VSV-G pseudotyped HIV-INL4-3 luciferase reporter virus inhibition activity but no HIV-1NL4-3 virus inhibition activity. We also found that SB203580 and SP600125 can enhance the HIV-1 inhibition activity of PD98059 when cells were treated with all three MAPK pathway inhibitors in combination. Finally, we show that HIV-1 virus inhibition activity of the MAPK pathway inhibitors was the result of the negative regulation of HIV-1 LTR promoter activity.

The binding of actin to p38 MAPK and inhibiting its kinase activity in vitro

p38 MAP kinase mediates a signal pathway that is involved in many physiological and pathological processes such as inflammation, cellular stress, apoptosis, cell cycle and growth, ischemia/re-perfusion, and myocardium hypertrophy. To determine the molecular and regulative mechanism of p38 signal pathway, we used in vitro binding methods to screen the proteins that interact with p38. Here we report two proteins from mouse macrophage RAW264.7 strain treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or ultraviolet radiation (UV), binding directly to p38. One of them is b-actin identified by peptide mass spectrum and ProFound program. Actin can inhibit the auto-phosphorylation of p38 and the phosphorylation of ATF by p38. It suggests that the binding of actin to p38 in vitro may represent a negative feedback to the kinase activity of p38, which leads to the regulation of p38 pathway and cellular function.

Mechanisms of connective tissue formation and blocks of mitogen activated protein kinase

Ninety male Wistar rats were selected under the ＂Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals＂ for skin-muscle wound models. Three groups of animals were examined respectively for inoculation of inhibitor of p38 MAPK （mitogen activated protein kinase） SB 203580 and JNK inhibitor SP 600125, and a control. Light microscopy, immunohistochemistry, and tensometry revealed that the inhibition of p38 or JNK cascades have modified the formation of the connective tissue scar. The degree of connective tissue growth in the area of surgical wound had been significantly reduced by the end of observation （30 d） as the SB 203580 was applied （% volume of collagen 43.60 （41.05 - 60.15） vs. 73.54 （66.87 - 78.01） in control, p = 0.002）. Conversely, when we have applied the JNK blocker, the density of collagen in scar tissue increased （78.14 （72.77 - 81.14）, p = 0.022 vs. control）. SB203580 inhibits the expression of p38, c-Jun and c-Fos. When we have used the JNK blocker, the expression of c-Fos and c-Jun decreased, but the expression of p38 increased. This determines the high functional activity of fibroblasts after using SP 600125. Obtained results show the importance of studying regulators of cell differentiation as potential drugs, which significantly affect the outcome of the pathological processes.

MAPKs represent novel therapeutic targets for gastrointestinal motility disorders

The number of patients suffering from symptoms associated with gastrointestinal(GI) motility disorders is on the rise. GI motility disorders are accompanied by alteration of gastrointestinal smooth muscle functions. Currently available drugs,which can directly affect gastrointestinal smooth muscle and restore altered smooth muscle contractility to normal,are not satisfactory for treating patients with GI motility disorders. We have recently shown that ERK1/2 and p38MAPK signaling pathways play an important role in the contractile response not only of normal intestinal smooth muscle but also of inflamed intestinal smooth muscle. Here we discuss the possibility that ERK1/2 and p38MAPK signaling pathways represent ideal targets for generation of novel therapeutics for patients with GI motility disorders.

Inflammation-and stress-related signaling pathways in hepatocarcinogenesis

It has been established that cancer can be promoted and exacerbated by inflammation.Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) is the fifth most common cancer worldwide,and its long-term prognosis remains poor.Although HCC is a complex and heterogeneous tumor with several genomic mutations,it usually develops in the context of chronic liver damage and inflammation,suggesting that understanding the mechanism(s) of inflammation-mediated hepatocarcinogenesis is essential for the treatment and prevention of HCC.Chronic liver damage induces a persistent cycle of necroinflammation and hepatocyte regeneration,resulting in genetic mutations in hepatocytes and expansion of initiated cells,eventually leading to HCC development.Recently,several inflammation-and stress-related signaling pathways have been identified as key players in these processes,which include the nuclear factor B,signal transducer and activator of transcription,and stress-activated mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways.Although these pathways may suggest potential therapeutic targets,they have a wide range of functions and complex crosstalk occurs among them.This review focuses on recent advances in our understanding of the roles of these signaling pathways in hepatocarcinogenesis.

Anti-parkinsonian effects of octacosanol in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6 tetrahydropyridine-treated mice

Our previous research showed that octacosanol exerted its protective effects in 6-hydroxydopamine-induced Parkinsonian rats. The goal of this study was to investigate whether octacosanol would attenuate neurotoxicity in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-l,2,3,6 tetrahydropyridine （MPTP）-treated C57BL/6N mice and its potential mechanism. Behavioral tests, tyrosine hydroxylase immunohistochemistry and western blot were used to investigate the effects of octacosanol in a mouse model of Parkinson＇s disease. Oral administration of octacosanol （100 mg/kg） significantly improved behavioral impairments Jn mice treated by MPTP and markedly ameliorated morphological appearances of tyrosine hydroxylase-positive neuronal cells in the substantia nigra. Furthermore, octacosanol blocked MPTP-induced phosphorylation of p38MAPK and JNK, but not ERK1/2. These findings implicated that the protective effects afforded by octacosanol might be mediated by blocking the phosphorylation of p38MAPK and JNK on the signa transduction in vivo. Considering its excellent tolerability, octacosanol might be considered as a candidate agent for clinical application in treating Parkinson＇s disease.

Exogenous nerve growth factor protects the hypoglossal nerve against crush injury

Studies have shown that sensory nerve damage can activate the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase（MAPK）pathway,but whether the same type of nerve injury after exercise activates the p38MAPK pathway remains unclear.Several studies have demonstrated that nerve growth factor may play a role in the repair process after peripheral nerve injury,but there has been little research focusing on the hypoglossal nerve injury and repair.In this study,we designed and established rat models of hypoglossal nerve crush injury and gave intraperitoneal injections of exogenous nerve growth factor to rats for 14 days.p38MAPK activity in the damaged neurons was increased following hypoglossal nerve crush injury;exogenous nerve growth factor inhibited this increase in acitivity and increased the survival rate of motor neurons within the hypoglossal nucleus.Under transmission electron microscopy,we found that the injection of nerve growth factor contributed to the restoration of the morphology of hypoglossal nerve after crush injury.Our experimental findings indicate that exogenous nerve growth factor can protect damaged neurons and promote hypoglossal nerve regeneration following hypoglossal nerve crush injury.

Vasopressin decreases neuronal apoptosis during cardiopulmonary resuscitation

The American Heart Association and the European Resuscitation Council recently recommend- ed that vasopressin can be used for cardiopulmonary resuscitation, instead of epinephrine. However, the guidelines do not discuss the effects of vasopressin during cerebral resuscitation. In this study, we intraperitoneally injected epinephrine and/or vasopressin during cardiopul- monary resuscitation in a rat model of asphyxial cardiac arrest. The results demonstrated that, compared with epinephrine alone, the pathological damage to nerve cells was lessened, and the levels of c-Iun N-terminal kinase and p38 expression were significantly decreased in the hippo- campus after treatment with vasopressin alone or the vasopressin and epinephrine combination. No significant difference in resuscitation effects was detected between vasopressin alone and the vasopressin and epinephrine combination. These results suggest that vasopressin alone or the vasopressin and epinephrine combination suppress the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase and c-Iun N-terminal kinase signaling pathways and reduce neuronal apoptosis during cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

甘草酸二铵对急性脑缺血再灌注损伤后p-38MAPK、NF-κB和MMP-9表达的影响

【目的】探讨甘草酸二铵在抑制炎症方面对脑缺血再灌注损伤的保护作用。【方法】42只雄性SD大鼠随机分为正常组(A组,n=6)、大脑中动脉闭塞再灌注(middle cerebral artery occlusion reperfusion,MCAOR)+生理盐水组(B组,n=15)、MCAOR+甘草酸二铵组(C组,n=15)和MCAOR后对照观察组(D组,n=6),Zea-Longa评分法评估神经功能,3 d后处死大鼠,Western blotting法检测p-38丝裂原活化蛋白激酶(p-38 mitogen-activated protein kinases,p-38MAPK)表达,免疫组化染色法检测核因子κB(nuclear factor kappa-B,NF-κB)和基质金属蛋白酶-9(matrix metalloprotein-9,MMP-9)表达情况。【结果】造模后神经功能明显恶化;3 d后,Zea-Longa评分、p-38MAPK表达、NF-κB和MMP-9免疫组化染色结果均显示B组与C组和D组比较有显著统计学差异(P<0.05)。【结论】甘草酸二铵能明显改善大鼠缺血再灌注损伤后神经功能状态,并能减少p-38MAPK和NF-κB炎症通路表达,并降低MMP-9炎症因子从而缓解大鼠缺血再灌注损伤。

Assessing the therapeutic impact of Qianjinba polysaccharide in a rheumatoid arthritis murine model

Qianjinba is primarily cultivated in the southern regions of China and finds extensive use in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)for conditions such as rheumatism,arthralgia,and gynecological ailments.It has been officially recognized as a protected variety of TCM by the state.The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic potential of Qianjinba polysaccharide(QJBDT)in treating rheumatoid arthritis(RA)in mice,along with a preliminary exploration of its mechanisms for inhibiting RA in these animals.Kunming mice(KM)were randomly divided into several groups,including a normal group,a model group(LPS group),low-dose,medium-dose,and high-dose QJBDT groups,as well as a positive control group(TGP group),each consisting of 10 mice.To induce inflammation and create an RA model,type II collagen was injected into the right hind foot joint.Following a 7-day modeling period,various concentrations of QJBDT and the positive control drug total glycoside of peony were administered via gavage once a day for 21 consecutive days.Throughout the study,we monitored and recorded the mice's weight,measured foot swelling,and assessed the arthritis index on a weekly basis.We also conducted pathological examinations of joint tissues and analyzed the signal pathway of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)as well as the protein expression of nuclear factor NF-κB in the mice’s right foot joint tissues.Additionally,we employed ELISA to detect the levels of interleukin-β(IL-β),IL-17,and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)in the mice’s serum.The results of this study revealed that QJBDT effectively reduced the degree of foot swelling and the arthritis index in collagen-induced arthritis mice while improving their weight loss(P<0.05).Furthermore,it alleviated the pathological damage observed in the mice’s joints.Notably,the expression of transcription factors p38 and NF-κB proteins was down-regulated(P<0.05),and the levels of inflammatory cytokines IL-β,IL-17,and TNF-αin the mice’s serum were decreased(P<0.05).In conclusion,this study demonstrated that polysaccharides could inhibit the expression of transcription factors p38 and NF-κB,reduce the production of inflammatory factors,and alleviate the progression of RA to a certain extent.