REGULAR EXPRESSION OF DISCOIDIN DOMAIN RECEPTOR 2 IN THE IMPROVED ADJUVANT-INDUCED ANIMAL MODEL FOR RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Objective To investigate the expression of discoidin domain receptor 2 (DDR2) of fibroblast-like synovial cells in im- proved adjuvant-induced animal (AIA) model for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to provide evidence for DDR2’s antagonist use clinically. Methods AIA was modified by administrating 0.1 mL of complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA, mixed with 5 mg Bacillus Calmette-Guerin vaccine/mL) into rats’ right hind paws and 0.125 mL tumor necrosis factor-α (2 U/mL) into right ankles and subpatellar fatty tissue. The expression of DDR2 in fibroblast-like synovial cells was assessed using immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence histochemistry, and in situ hybridization methods. Levels of anti-collagen II antibody were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results Given the terms mentioned above, we found a more practical rat model, apparently decreasing immunization time (average 3-5 days). DDR2 can be detected upon the 15th day of immunization; expression gradually increased with time going on, and reaching a peak 35 days after immunization before gradually decreasing. Serum anti-collagen II antibody showed similar expression patterns as DDR2, but reached peak later than DDR2, about 40 days after immunization. Conclusion Regular expression of DDR2 in animal models infers its important role in the pathological process of RA.

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.

Construction and validation of a risk prediction model for depressive symptoms in a middle-aged and elderly arthritis population

BACKGROUND Arthritis is a prevalent and debilitating condition that affects a significant proportion of middle-aged and older adults worldwide.Characterized by chronic pain,inflammation,and joint dysfunction,arthritis can severely impact physical function,quality of life,and mental health.The overall burden of arthritis is further compounded in this population due to its frequent association with depression.As the global population both the prevalence and severity of arthritis are anticipated to increase.AIM To investigate depressive symptoms in the middle-aged and elderly arthritic population in China,a risk prediction model was constructed,and its effectiveness was validated.METHODS Using the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study 2018 data on middleaged and elderly arthritic individuals,the population was randomly divided into a training set(n=4349)and a validation set(n=1862)at a 7:3 ratio.Based on 10-fold cross-validation,least absolute shrinkage and selection regression was used to screen the model for the best predictor variables.Logistic regression was used to construct the nomogram model.Subject receiver operating characteristic and calibration curves were used to determine model differentiation and accuracy.Decision curve analysis was used to assess the net clinical benefit.RESULTS The prevalence of depressive symptoms in the middle-aged and elderly arthritis population in China was 47.1%,multifactorial logistic regression analyses revealed that gender,age,number of chronic diseases,number of pain sites,nighttime sleep time,education,audiological status,health status,and place of residence were all predictors of depressive symptoms.The area under the curve values for the training and validation sets were 0.740(95%confidence interval:0.726-0.755)and 0.731(95%confidence interval:0.709-0.754),respectively,indicating good model differentiation.The calibration curves demonstrated good prediction accuracy,and the decision curve analysis curves demonstrated good clinical utility.CONCLUSION The risk prediction model developed in this study has strong predictive performance and is useful for screening and assessing depression symptoms in middle-aged and elderly arthritis patients.

JAK1-STAT3 blockade by JAK inhibitor SHR0302 attenuates inflammatory responses of adjuvant-induced arthritis rats via inhibiting Thl7 and total B cells

Aim To investigate the effects of JAK inhibitor （SHR0302） on adjuvant-induced arthritis （AA） rats and the partial mechanisms focused on T, B lymphocyte subsets through JAK1-STAT3 pathway, including Thl7, Treg, total B cells and memory B cells. Methods Animals were divided randomly into 6 groups including normal control, AA, SHR0302 （0.3, 1.0, 3.0 nag · kg^-1, ig） and MTX （0.5 nag · kg^-1 , ig） . The effects of SHR0302 on AA rats by evaluating arthritis index, arthritis global assessment and paw swelling degree, histopathology of joint and spleen, inflammatory cytokine and antibody production in serum. We examined the proliferation of T, B and FLS by CCK8 kit; Thl7, Treg, total B and memory B cell proportion was measured by flow cytometry; Cytokines TNF-αβ, IL-1β, IL-10, IL-17 and antibody IgG1, IgG2a levels in serum were measured by ELISA kits; The ex- pression of p-JAK1 and p-STAT3 was measured by Western blot analysis. Results SHR0302 suppressed the se- verity of AA rats by attenuating the arthritis index, arthritis global assessment and paw swelling degree, and allevia- ted histopathology of spleen and joint of AA rats. SHR0302 can inhibit the proliferation of T, B and FLS, and down-regulated cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-17 and antibody IgG1, IgG2a levels, and suppressed the proportion of Thl7 and total B, and inhibited JAK1-STAT3 phosphorylation; There was no significant effect on Treg function and memory B cell proportion. Conclusion SHR0302 may attenuate the severity of AA rats, partially through signifi- cantly reducing Thl7 function and total B cell proportion by inhibiting JAK1-STAT3 phosphorylation.

Paeoniflorin-6′-O-benzene sulfonate ameliorates progression of adjuvant-induced arthritis by inhibiting interaction between Ahr and GRK2 of fibroblast-like synoviocytes

OBJECTIVE Aryl hydrocarbon receptor(Ahr)is thought to be a crucial factor that regulates immune responses,which may be involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune inflammation including rheumatoid arthritis(RA).The results of our group in recent years have shown that CP-25,a novel ester derivative of paeoniflorin,has a good effect on improving RA animal models.However,whether the anti-arthritis effect of CP-25 is related to Ahr remains unclear.METHODS CP-25 treatment ameliorated adjuvant-induced arthritis(AA),a mouse model of RA,by inhibiting Ahr-related activities in fibroblasts like synoviocytes(FLS).AA rats were treated with CP-25 or paroxetine from day 17 to 33 after immunization.RESULTS CP-25 alleviated arthritis symptoms and the pathological changes,decreased the expression of Ahr in the synovium and FLS of AA rats.Besides,treatment with CP-25 reduced the proliferation and migration of MH7A caused by Ahr activation.In addition,we also demonstrated that CP-25 down-regulated the co-expression and co-localization of Ahr and G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2(GRK2)in MH7A.CONCLUSION The data presented here demonstrated that CP-25 suppressed FLS dysfunction in rats with AA,which were associated with reduced Ahr activation and the interaction between Ahr and GRK2.

Ginsenoside Rb1 attenuates adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats through inactivation of NF-κB signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE To investigate the anti-arthritic effect and mechanism of action of ginsenoside Rb1 on adju⁃vant-induced arthritis(AIA)in rats.METHODS Male SD rats were received 0.1 mL injections of FCA(10 g·L^-1)emulsion into the right hind metatarsal foot pad for arthritis induction.After that,rats were randomly divided into six groups,namely control group,untreated group,dexamethasone(DEX,2.5 mg·kg^-1)group,low(5 mg·kg^-1),medium(10 mg·kg^-1)and high(20 mg·kg^-1)doses of ginsenoside Rb1 groups,and treated intraperitoneally at the above dosage once a day for 2 weeks.After treatment,paw swelling and arthritis indexes were evaluated,the thymus and spleen index were calculated as well.HE staining were used to observe the joint histopathology in rats.Rat ELISA kits were used to determinate the TNF-α,IL-1βand IL-6 levels.Western blotting were used to detect the related protein expression of NF-κB signaling pathway in the tissues of inflamed joints.RESULTS Rb1 significantly decreased the paw swelling and arthritis index,Compared with AIA group.HE staining results revealed that medium and high doses of Rb1 significantly reduced synovial inflammatory cell infiltration,synovial lining hyperplasia and bone destruction,compared with AIA group.Elisa results showed that Rb1 significantly decreased the TNF-α,IL-1β and IL-6 levels(P<0.05,P<0.01).Western blotting results revealed that the expression of p-IκB and p-P65 were significantly reduced in 20 mg·kg^-1 of Rb1 group,compared with AIA group(P<0.05,P<0.01).CONCIUSION Rb1 manifests therapeutic anti-inflammatory effects on rats with AIA,poten⁃tially through a mechanism of inhibiting activation of the NF-κB.

Effect of Cornus officinalis glycoside on adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats

The aim of this study was to explore the effect of Comus officinalis glucosides （COG） on adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats and its mechanism. Seventy-two rats were divided into six groups of norreal, model, Dexasone （0. 125 mg/kg）, high-dose COG （240 mg/kg）, mid-dose COG （120 mg/kg）, and low-dose COG （60 mg/kg）. Rat arthritis was induced by injection of Freund＇s complete adjuvant in the hind paws. All treatment started from the day the arthritis was induced. The edema degree of the adjuvant injection location was determined on days 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 20, 23 and the oppo- site side was observed on days 11, 13, 15, 17, 20, 23 after the injection of adjuvant. All rats were sacrificed on day 24 after the injection of adjuvant for microscopic examination of the ankle, and for the study of the immunological molecular mechanism. The results showed that the COG significantly suppressed both the primary and secondary edema, improved pathological injuries of adjuvant arthritis （AA） rat ankles, significantly suppressed the proliferation of T lymphocytes and DTH reaction. It significantly suppressed IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-α production from peritoneal macrophages and PGE2 in plasma. In conclusion, the Comus officinalis glucosides （COG） is able to prevent and cure the rat adjuvant-induced arthritis, and can suppress the production of pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α and PGE2.

Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells as treatment of adjuvant rheumatoid arthritis in a rat model

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.

The pain-related behavior changes correlate with the bone damage in a rat model of rheumatoid arthritis

In view of the extensive bone damage in rheumatoid arthritis, we used a commonly utilized animal model to detect behavioral changes in pain-related and the bone damage during the early disease, and to explore the correlation between bone damage and pain-related behavioral changes. Methods： Arthritis were induced in Sprague-Dawley （SD） male rats by injecting complete Freund＇s adjuvant （CFA） into the tails. Pain-related behavior changes were studied using the Hargreaves, VonFrey, and acetone tests on the 0, 7, 14, day and 28 day after CFA injection. The rats were sacrificed according the same schedule. The bone damage of the right proximal tibia was studied by microCT scan and bone histological slices. Results： Animals developed soft tissue inflammation and polyarthritis on 7 days after CFA injection, and arthritic score proved obvious arthritis were established within the study period. Mechanical hyperalgesia and cold allodynia were present in the affected hind paw from the 7 day through the 28 day, but the heat hyperalgesia and the mechanical allodynia lasted a short time after CFA injection. Trabecular bone number （Tb.N）, Tissue Mineral Content （TMC） and Bone Volume to Tissue Volume （BV/TV） in the proximal tibia by microCT scan were also reduced after induction, especial 14 days after CFA injection. The bone histologicalslices showed the trabecular bone and proteoglycan diminished, the bone damage severity scores became more severely on the 7 day after CFA injection. Using analysis of covariance, these changes had statistical significance compared with baseline. By linear regression analysis demonstrated mechanical hyperalgesia and cold allodynia correlated well with arthritic score, bone damage parameters and bone damage severity scores. Conclusion： Adjuvant-induced arthritis （AA） were observed after CFA injection and lasted within the later experimental period. Pain-related behavioral changes were observed in the early time of AA. Bone damage was also occurred with arthritis development. Pain-related behavioral change correlated well with arthritic score and bone damage parameters

Comparison of Three Experimental Models for Rat Osteoarthritis Induction

Background: Osteoarthritis is a slowly progressive and debilitating disease with high prevalence in adult population. Knee is one of the joints most affected by this disorder. There are several models for animals’ osteoarthritis induction, however it is not identified any paper that compares these techniques. The present study was aimed to define the most appropriate model for rats osteoarthritis induction. Material and Methods: 40 Wistar rats were distributed into 4 groups of 10 animals each: normality group (NG);meniscectomy group (MG);quinolone group (QG) and iodoacetate group (IG). Radiographic images of the rat’s knees were analyzed as well as the amount of chondrocytes in the epiphyseal and articular cartilage. Results: In the radiographic analysis, there was a low correlation between the raters. Regarding the amount of chondrocytes in the epiphyseal cartilage, it was noticed that the IG and QG groups had fewer chondrocytes than NG, in contrast to MG that reported similar results to normality (p > 0.05). There was no significant difference between IG and QG groups (p > 0.05). Regarding the amount of chondrocytes in articular cartilage, it was noticed that the IG group showed fewer chondrocytes than NG (p 0.05). There was no significant difference between QG and MG groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Intraarticular injection of iodoacetate in rats is the model with greatest effect on reduction of chondrocytes amount.

Preparation and analysis of active rat model of rheumatoid arthritis with features of TCM 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.

Systematic review of robust experimental models of rheumatoid arthritis for basic research

Rheumatoid arthritis(RA)is a common autoimmune disease characterized by progressive joint inflammation and destruction,deformity,loss of mobility,and permanent disability.Although the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in RA are understood in detail,no drugs or therapies can completely cure RA.Many long-term efforts have been directed towards a better understanding of RA pathogenesis and the development of new classes of therapeutics.Thus,the ongoing elucidation of pathogenic events underlying RA mostly relies on studies of animal models.Herein,we comprehensively review and discuss the characteristics,challenges,and unresolved of issues of various experimental models of RA to provide a basis and reference for the rational selection of experimental RA models for basic investigations into traditional Chinese medicine(TCM).

Anti-angiogenic effect of tripterygium glycosides tablets in animal models of rheumatoid arthritis:A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectives:To explore and summarize the beneficial effects of a traditional Chinese medicine preparation,Tripterygium glycosides tablets(TGT),in rheumatoid arthritis(RA)animal models of neovascularization,and to provide a reference for future clinical applications and research on its pharmacologic mechanism.Methods:We searched the databases PubMed,Embase,Web of Science,Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure,VIP,Wan Fang and SinoMed(China Biomedical Document Service System)to identify studies of TGT with outcome indicators of angiogenesis-related factors that were published before April2020.Subgroup analysis and meta-regression were performed for dosage and duration of TGT.Statistical tests and subgroup analysis were conducted using RevMan 5.3,and meta-regression and sensitivity analysis were conducted using STATA/SE 15.0.Results:Fourteen studies of TGT in RA rats were included in this analysis.Treatment with TGT significantly reduces synovial microvessel density and the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF),VEGF receptor 2,hypoxia inducible factor a,c-Fos,c-Jun,angiopoietin-1 and angiopoietin-2 compared with control groups(P<.05).Subgroup analysis did not show a significant association of the mRNA levels of VEGF in synovium,assessed using quantitative real-time PCR,with duration or dosage of TGT.Meta-regression analysis also indicated that the effects of dosage and duration were not significantly associated with differences in VEGF mRNA levels.Sensitivity analysis on VEGF m RNA levels did not fundamentally change the results.Conclusions:TGT can reduce synovial neovascularization by decreasing synovial microvessel density and expression of VEGF,VEGF receptor 2,hypoxia-inducible factor a,c-Fos,c-Jun,Ang-1 and Ang-2,thereby suppressing pannus formation and bone destruction in rat models of RA.Additional well-designed studies are required to confirm these findings.

Dual-targeted halofuginone hydrobromide nanocomplexes for promotion of macrophage repolarization and apoptosis of rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes in adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats

Rheumatoid arthritis(RA)is a prevalent autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation and excessive proliferation of the synovium.Currently,treatment options focus on either reducing inflammation or inhibiting synovial hyperplasia.However,these modalities are unsatisfactory in achieving the desired therapeutic outcomes.Halofuginone hydrobromide(HF),an herbal active ingredient,has demonstrated pharmacological effects of both anti-inflammation and inhibition of synovial hyperplasia proliferation.However,HF's medical efficacy is limited due to its poor water solubility,short half-life(t_(1/2)),and non-target toxicity.In the current study,by using the advantages of nanotechnology,we presented a novel dual-targeted nanocomplex,termed HA-M@P@HF NPs,which consisted of a hyaluronic acid(HA)-modified hybrid membrane(M)-camouflaged poly lactic-co-glycolic acid(PLGA)nanosystem for HF delivery.These nanocomplexes not only overcame the limitations of HF but also achieved simultaneous targeting of inflammatory macrophages and human fibroblast-like synoviocytes-RA(HFLS-RA).In vivo experiments demonstrated that these nanocomplexes effectively suppressed immune-mediated inflammation and synovial hyperplasia,safeguarding against bone destruction in rats with adjuvant-induced arthritis(AIA).Remarkable anti-arthritic effects of these nanocomplexes were accomplished through promoting repolarization of M1-to-M2 macrophages and apoptosis of HFLS-RA,thereby offering a promising therapeutic strategy for RA.

Expression of Peptidylarginine Deiminase 4 and Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase Nonreceptor Type 22 in the Synovium of Collagen-Induced Arthritis Rats

Objective To study the expression level of peptidylarginine deiminase 4(PADI4) and protein tyrosine phosphatase nonreceptor type 22(PTPN22) in the synovium of rat model of collagen-induced arthritis, and to explore their possible therapeutic role in rheumatoid arthritis. Methods Thirty-two female Wistar rats weighing 100±20 g were randomly assigned into 3-week collagen-induced arthritis(CIA) model group(n=8), 4-week CIA model group(n=8), 6-week CIA model group(n=8), and the control group(n=8). The body weight changes of each group were recorded. The expression levels of PADI4 and PTPN22 were detected and compared by the methods of immunohistochemical staining and Western blot. Results Arthritis of rat began to form 14 days after sensitization and the joint swelling reached peak at 28 days. The weights of the rats slowly grew both in CIA model groups and the control group. Immunohistochemical staining results showed that the positive expression of PADI4 and PTPN22 was mainly located in cartilage peripheral mononuclear cells, the cytoplasm of infiltrated cells, and bone marrow cavity. There were significant differences in the optical density of PADI4 and PTPN22 among CIA model groups and the control group(PADI4, 0.2898±0.012, 0.2982±0.022, 0.2974±0.031, 0.2530±0.013 in 3-week CIA model, 4-week CIA model, 6-week CIA model and control groups; PTPN22, 0.2723±0.004, 0.2781±0.010, 0.2767±0.008, 0.2422±0.019; all P <0.05). The expression bands of PADI4 were observed in Western blot 3 weeks after initial immunization, the thickest in the 4th week, and decreased in the 6th week. The expression bands of PTPN2 were observed at all the time points, with no obvious time-dependent trend. Conclusions PADI4 and PTPN22 are obviously correlated with CIA in rat model. PADI4 is expressed at early stage of the disease, while the expression of PTPN22 sustains throughout the course.

Paeoniflorin-6＇-O-benzene sulfonate, a novel compound, protects against autoimmune arthritis by modulating inflammation and bone damage

Aim Paeoniflorin （Pae） is the principal bioactive component of total glucosides of peony （TGP）, which has been widely used in therapy for rheumatoid arthritis （RA）. Paeoniflorin-6＇-O-benzene sulfonate （code： CP-25） , a novel compound that is a newly ester derivatives of Pae, was evaluated in rats with adjuvant-induced ar- thritis （AA） to study its potential anti-arthritic activity. Methods AA rats were randomly divided into different groups and then treated with CP-25 （25, 50, 100 mg· kg^-1） and methotrexate （0. 5 mg · kg^-1）, from day 16 to day 32 after immunization. Arthritis severity was evaluated by clinical manifestation and histopathological examina- tion. The cells proliferation was determined by CCK-8 assay. Activities of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17, IL-10, TGF-β1, TNF-oL, IIANKL and OPG were assessed by ELISA. The subsets of CD4 ＋T cells were assayed by flow cytometry. Results CP-25 treatment effectively reduced clinical severity scores and blinded histopathological scores compared with AA groups. CP-25-treated rats exhibited a decrease in the pro-inflammatory cytokines （IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17, and TNF-α） , coupled with an increase in the anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10 and TGF-β1 in serum and macro- phages of AA rats. The flow cytometry analyses of CD4 ＋T cells dramatically demonstrated the immunomodulatory effects of CP-25 on abnormal immune dysfunction. Apart from the anti-inflammatory activity, treatment with CP-25 inhibited the fibroblast-like synoviocyte （FLS） activation and function. Furthermore, CP-25 treatment of AA rats restored the balance between RANKL and OPG in favor of its anti-osteoclastic effects. Conclusions Data presen- ted here demonstrated that administration of CP-25 significantly inhibited the progression of rat AA, with reductions both in arthritic inflammation and bone damage. The protective effects of CP-25 in AA highlight an attribute that is potential as an ideal new anti-arthritic agent for the treatment with human RA.

What qualifies as rheumatoid arthritis?

Expansion of diagnostic criteria for rheumatoid arthritis and deletion of exceptions increases sensitivity, but at the expense of specificity.Two decades later, modification of criteria included the caveat: "absence of an alternative diagnosis that better explains the synovitis."That puts great faith in the diagnostic skills of the evaluating individual and their perspectives of disease.The major confounding factor appears to be spondyloarthropathy, which shares some characteristics with rheumatoid arthritis.Recognition of the latter on the basis of marginally distributed and symmetrical polyarticular erosions, in absence of axial(odontoid disease excepted) involvement requires modification to avoid failure to recognize a different disease, spondyloarthropathy.Skeletal distribution, pure expression of disease in natural animal models and biomechanical studies clearly rule out peripheral joint fusion(at least in the absence of corticosteroid therapy) as a manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis.Further, such studies identity predominant wrist and ankle involvement as characteristic of a different disease, spondyloarthropathy.It is important to separate the two diagnostic groups for epidemiologic study and for clinical diagnosis.They certainly differ in their pathophysiology.

A comprehensive meta-analysis of the association between three <i>IL</i>1B polymorphisms and rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an immune-mediated chronic inflammatory disease that causes huge destruction to human body. IL1B encodes key mediator IL-1β protein, which plays an important role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory syndromes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between IL1B polymorphisms and RA. A meta-analysis was performed on the association between three IL1B polymorphisms (IL1B-31: rs1143627;IL1B-511: rs16944;IL1B + 3954: rs1143634) and RA. A trend of significant association was observed between IL1B + 3954 and RA (p = 0.06, odd ratio (OR) = 1.19, 95% confidential interval (CI) = 1.00-1.42). A significant association was found in Europeans under the dominant model between IL1B-511T and RA (p = 0.03, OR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.81-0.99). Our meta-analysis indicated that IL1B ? 511-T played a protective role against RA in Europeans, and that IL1B + 3954-T had the potential to increase the risk of RA. Future large-scale studies should be considered to confirm the association between IL1B polymorphisms and RA.

成纤维细胞生长因子受体1 抑制剂对胶原诱导关节炎模型大鼠骨破坏的影响

背景:课题组前期的研究表明靶向成纤维细胞生长因子受体1(fibroblast growth factor receptor 1,FGFR1)可能是治疗类风湿性关节炎的有效靶点。目的:探讨FGFR1抑制剂(PD173074)对胶原诱导关节炎模型大鼠骨破坏的影响。方法:将25只雌性SD大鼠随机分为5组,正常对照组、模型组、甲氨蝶呤组、PD173074低剂量组、PD173074高剂量组。除正常对照组外,其余各组大鼠建立Ⅱ型胶原诱导关节炎模型。造模成功后正常组及模型组大鼠腹腔注射无菌PBS,甲氨蝶呤组药物注射剂量为1.04 mg/kg,PD173074低剂量组和高剂量组药物注射剂量分别为5,20 mg/kg,1次/周。给药4周后取材,观察大鼠临床症状以及关节肿胀情况,踝关节Micro-CT三维重建及分析,观察踝关节病理变化,检测关节周围血管生成情况及核因子κB受体活化因子配体的表达,检测关节滑膜中p-FGFR1、血管内皮生长因子A、抗酒石酸酸性磷酸酶的表达,观察肝、脾、肾病理变化并计算肝、脾、肾指数。结果与结论:①PD173074能够减轻模型大鼠踝关节临床症状及关节肿胀,延缓骨质丢失,改善骨结构,减轻关节滑膜侵袭以及软骨骨侵蚀,降低关节周围破骨细胞数量,抑制关节滑膜组织中的血管生成,降低核因子κB受体活化因子配体的表达,抑制FGFR1磷酸化蛋白、抗酒石酸酸性磷酸酶和血管内皮生长因子A的蛋白表达。②大鼠肝、脾、肾病理观察表明经过PD173074治疗后无明显的毒副作用。③研究证明了FGFR1抑制剂能够延缓Ⅱ型胶原诱导关节炎模型大鼠关节炎症及骨破坏的进展,并抑制血管的生成。初步验证了PD173074在Ⅱ型胶原诱导关节炎模型中的治疗作用,其可能是通过抑制FGFR1磷酸化发挥作用,为寻找类风湿性关节炎新的治疗靶点提供了方向。

加权共表达网络分析与机器学习识别类风湿关节炎滑膜中的关键基因

背景:类风湿关节炎是一种全身的免疫相关性疾病,主要病理特点是关节滑膜炎性增生及关节软骨的破坏,其发病机制目前尚不明确,迫切需要发现新的具有高度敏感性和特异性的诊断标志物。目的:联合使用生物信息学技术及计算机学习算法,识别并筛选类风湿关节炎患者滑膜中的关键基因,构建类风湿关节炎预测模型并进行验证。方法:从基因表达综合数据库中下载3个包含类风湿关节炎患者滑膜的数据集(GSE77298、GSE55235、GSE55457),GSE77298和GSE55235作为训练集,GSE55457作为测试集,共纳入66个样本,其中类风湿关节炎患者滑膜样本39个,正常滑膜样本27个。应用R语言筛选训练集中的差异基因,然后使用加权共表达网络将训练集中的基因模块化,选出关键模块中的特征基因,将差异表达基因和特征基因取交集,交集基因进入下一步机器学习。采用3种机器学习方法:最小绝对值收敛和选择算子算法、支持向量机-递归特征消除和随机森林算法对交集基因进一步分析获得枢纽基因,将枢纽基因再次相交即得到类风湿关节炎滑膜中的关键基因。以关键基因为变量构建预测类风湿关节炎的列线图模型,推测患者发生类风湿关节炎的危险程度,使用受试者工作特征曲线确定类风湿关节炎预测模型及其关键基因的诊断价值。结果与结论:①通过差异分析,训练集中共筛选出差异基因730个,加权共表达网络分析得到特征基因185个,两者交集基因159个;②最小绝对值收敛和选择算子发现枢纽基因4个,支持向量机-递归特征消除发现枢纽基因11个,随机森林发现枢纽基因5个,取交集后获得关键基因2个(TNS3、SDC1);③基于2个关键基因,在训练集及测试集种构建列线图,其校准预测曲线与标准曲线贴合较好,且预测类风湿关节炎发生的临床效能良好;④上述结果证实,基于生物信息及机器学习算法获得的TNS3和SDC1有可能成为类风湿关节炎诊断和治疗的关键靶点。