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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

苗药花蝴蝶回调CIA模型鼠血细胞变化的初步研究

目的 观察苗药花蝴蝶回调胶原诱导关节炎(CIA)模型鼠外周血细胞变化的初步作用机制。方法 40只大鼠随机分为花蝴蝶低剂量治疗组(花蝴蝶低组)、花蝴蝶高剂量治疗组(花蝴蝶高组)、甲氨蝶呤治疗组(甲氨蝶呤组)、CIA模型组(模型组)和正常组,分别按相关文献资料并结合民间用药经验灌胃给药。观察大鼠足关节肿胀度,检测大鼠外周血白细胞计数、淋巴细胞计数、单核细胞计数、淋巴细胞/单核细胞、红细胞计数、血细胞比容、血小板计数和平均血小板体积等指标,研究大鼠足关节病理切片等。结果 模型组大鼠足关节肿胀指数评分明显高于花蝴蝶低组、花蝴蝶高组、甲氨蝶呤组和正常组(P<0.01);正常组、甲氨蝶呤组、花蝴蝶高组、花蝴蝶低组足关节肿胀指数评分各组间比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。与其他各组比较,模型组大鼠外周血白细胞计数、淋巴细胞计数、单核细胞计数、红细胞计数、血细胞比容、血小板计数均明显升高,而模型组大鼠外周血淋巴细胞/单核细胞、平均血小板体积均降低(P<0.01)。正常组、甲氨蝶呤组、花蝴蝶高组、花蝴蝶低组外周血相关检测指标各组间比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。与其他各组比较,模型组大鼠膝关节骨髓腔淋巴细胞、单核细胞评分升高,而脂肪细胞评分降低(P<0.01)。正常组、甲氨蝶呤组、花蝴蝶高组、花蝴蝶低组大鼠膝关节骨髓腔淋巴细胞、单核细胞和脂肪细胞评分各组间比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论 苗药花蝴蝶可能通过回调骨髓淋巴细胞、单核细胞、红细胞、血细胞比容、血小板等指标升高和平均血小板体积、淋巴细胞/单核细胞比值降低,回转CIA模型鼠外周血相应血细胞变化,最终缓解CIA模型鼠症状,这可能是苗药花蝴蝶治疗类风湿关节炎的初步作用机制之一。

基于25⁃羟基维生素D、血清学因子等对老年类风湿性关节炎合并间质性肺疾病Nomogram预测模型的构建和评价

目的基于25-羟基维生素D[25-(OH)D]、血清学因子等构建老年类风湿性关节炎合并间质性肺疾病(RA-ILD)的Nomogram预测模型,并进行模型评价。方法选取2020年5月—2022年10月收治的老年类风湿性关节炎(RA)220例,根据是否合并间质性肺疾病将其分为RA-ILD组(51例)和单纯RA组(169例)2组,比较2组一般资料和实验室相关指标[类风湿因子(RF)、抗环瓜氨酸抗体(anti-CCP)、抗角蛋白抗体(AKA)、类风湿关节炎活动度评分(DAS28)]、25-(OH)D、血清学因子[白细胞介素-33(IL-33)、白细胞介素-35(IL-35)、赖氨酰氧化酶样蛋白-2(LOXL-2)、涎液化糖链抗原-6(KL-6)、基质金属蛋白酶-8(MMP-8)]水平,分析老年RA患者25-(OH)D与各血清学因子的相关性,探讨老年RA-ILD发生的影响因素,根据影响因素、25-(OH)D及血清学因子构建老年RA-ILD的Nomogram预测模型,并对该模型进行评价。结果RA-ILD组和单纯RA组RF、DAS28比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.01);RA-ILD组25-(OH)D、IL-35、KL-6低于单纯RA组,IL-33、LOXL-2、MMP-8高于单纯RA组(P<0.05,P<0.01)。老年RA患者25-(OH)D与IL-35、KL-6呈正相关,与IL-33、LOXL-2、MMP-8呈负相关(P<0.05)。25-(OH)D、IL-35、KL-6、IL-33、LOXL-2、MMP-8、RF和DAS28均为老年RA-ILD发生的影响因素(P<0.01)。在Nomogram预测模型中直接获取各预测因素对应得分,得分之和对应的预测概率即为该老年患者RA-ILD发生的风险概率,该模型对老年RA-ILD发生具有良好预测效能,且具有良好校准度。结论基于25-(OH)D、血清学因子等构建老年RA-ILD发生的Nomogram预测模型,预测效能较高、校准度良好。

补骨脂-淫羊藿对类风湿关节炎抗炎机制的分子对接分析:动物实验验证

背景:临床上补骨脂-淫羊藿治疗类风湿关节炎疗效明显,但两者所含有效成分复杂,在分子水平上治疗类风湿关节炎的作用机制仍不明确。目的:基于网络药理学和分子对接技术建立胶原诱导型关节炎模型,验证补骨脂-淫羊藿治疗类风湿关节炎可能的作用靶点及通路,为以补骨脂-淫羊藿为主的临床方剂使用提供可靠的实验依据。方法:借助中医药研究平台、中医百科全书和上海有机所的中药与化学成分数据库等检索并筛选有效成分,从PubChem平台获取3D分子式,通过PharmMapper和SwissTargetPrediction平台进行靶标预测;结合DrugBank、GeneCards、OMIM等基因数据库完成类风湿关节炎的疾病靶点获取,经Uniport数据库校准靶标,借助VENNY 2.1获取补骨脂-淫羊藿与疾病交集靶点并绘制韦恩图;采用STRING平台构建蛋白质互作网络图;使用Metascape平台进行基因本体论功能分析及京都基因与基因组百科全书分析,进行数据可视化,利用Cytoscape 3.9.0构建中药-成分-靶点-疾病-通路四重网络模型;运用AutoDock-Vina软件将主要有效成分与核心靶点进行分子对接验证,探索最佳结合靶点。建立Ⅱ型胶原+佐剂诱导型关节大鼠模型,用补骨脂-淫羊藿干预21 d后,观察其对相关通路靶点及炎性细胞因子的影响。结果与结论:①筛选补骨脂与淫羊藿活性成分28个,与类风湿关节炎交集靶点共288个,主要成分有异补骨脂素、补骨脂定、淫羊藿苷等;交集靶点主要有丝氨酸/苏氨酸蛋白激酶1(AKT1)、肿瘤坏死因子、血管内皮生长因子A等;②基因本体论分析获得生物过程2232条,主要与丝氨酸蛋白磷酸化、AKT正调控、活性氧代谢过程等功能有关;③京都基因与基因组百科全书富集分析结果202条,主要有PI3K/AKT信号通路和表皮生长因子受体信号通路等,可能通过调节滑膜细胞凋亡与增殖、抑制炎性因子等发挥治疗作用;④分子对接结果表明补骨脂-淫羊藿主要与AKT1及雌激素受体转录因子1结合活性最强,并形成稳定结构,与PI3K/AKT等凋亡增殖、炎性介导等调控信号通路密切相关;⑤补骨脂-淫羊藿可降低胶原诱导型关节炎大鼠模型血清中白细胞介素1β、白细胞介素6、肿瘤坏死因子α的表达;⑥补骨脂-淫羊藿可调低胶原诱导型关节炎大鼠模型关节滑膜中p-PI3K、p-AKT、p-FOXO1蛋白的表达;⑦结果证明,补骨脂-淫羊藿可能经PI3K/AKT/FOXO1信号通路抑制关节滑膜细胞增殖和抑制炎性因子表达等发挥治疗作用,这可能与类风湿关节炎关节炎症和骨破坏的发生密切相关,同时为临床的合理使用及新药开发提供了参考依据。

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。

类风湿关节炎合并肺间质病变小鼠模型复制与评价

目的 复制小鼠胶原诱导性关节炎(collagen-induced arthritis,CIA)模型、胶原诱导性关节炎联合一次性气管滴注博来霉素诱导肺纤维化(collagen-induced arthritis combined with bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis model,CIA-BLM)复合模型,并进行两种动物模型的肺间质病变评价。方法 15只DBA-1小鼠随机分为空白组(NC)、模型组(CIA)、复合模型组(CIA-BLM),每组5只。采用足趾肿胀度、关节炎指数(arthritis index,AI)评分、HE染色、马松(Masson)染色、关节及肺部影像学、肺功能等指标对模型进行评价。结果 与NC组比较,CIA、CIA-BLM组小鼠体质量、足趾肿胀度、AI评分均下降(P<0.01)。相比NC组,CIA组及CIA-BLM组小鼠组织病理学均显示肺组织结构异常,肺泡壁增厚,炎性细胞浸润,CIA-BLM组较CIA组小鼠有明显蓝色胶原纤维沉积。微计算机断层扫描技术(micro-computed tomography,Micro-CT)示两个模型组小鼠关节破坏均严重。CIA组小鼠肺部影像学示局部磨玻璃样表现,CIA-BLM组小鼠以絮状影、网格状阴影、支气管牵拉扩张为主要表现。两个模型组小鼠均有肺功能下降。结论 CIA模型和CIA-BLM模型均有关节破坏特点和肺纤维化特征,根据组织病理学、影像学、肺功能检测结果,CIA-BLM模型肺纤维化特征更明显。

雷公藤多苷纳米粒的制备及其对关节炎大鼠的治疗作用

目的 制备雷公藤多苷纳米粒,探究其对胶原诱导型(collagen-induced arthritis, CIA)关节炎大鼠的治疗作用。方法 运用薄膜分散法制备雷公藤多苷纳米粒,对其进行质量评估。构建CIA模型,进行药物干预,称量大鼠体质量、测定足趾肿胀度和关节炎指数;观察大鼠脏器、膝、踝关节滑膜的病理改变;检测大鼠血清中肝肾功能水平和炎症因子表达。结果 制备的雷公藤多苷纳米粒在电镜下呈圆粒状且分布均匀,性质稳定。相较于模型组,给药组大鼠左右足趾肿胀度均明显下降(P<0.01),关节炎指数明显降低(P<0.01)。其中TG-NPs组的疗效优于TG组。与正常组相比,大鼠心脏、脾、肾、睾丸指数均明显降低(P<0.05,P<0.01)。TG-NPs组膝踝关节软骨病理损伤明显减轻,凋亡的滑膜细胞增加;与模型组相比,TG-NPs组大鼠血清中的ALT、BUN、CRE水平均明显降低(P<0.05),IL-1β、TNF-α和IL-6含量下降明显(P<0.05)。结论 TG-NPs通过诱导滑膜细胞凋亡和降低炎性细胞因子的表达对CIA有较好的治疗作用,通过静脉注射血液循环,可实现药物的缓、控释,避免口服药物造成的首过效应,减轻脏器的毒性,为治疗类风湿关节炎的新型纳米制剂的开发提供了实验依据。

基于机器学习和解释模型的类风湿性关节炎合并骨质疏松症患者预后预测

目的 探讨机器学习和解释模型在类风湿性关节炎合并骨质疏松症患者预后预测中的应用价值。方法 选取2021年6月至2023年7月新疆维吾尔自治区维吾尔医医院收治的类风湿性关节炎合并骨质疏松症患者194例,按预后情况将其分为预后不良组(46例)和预后良好组(148例),通过两组临床资料的差异构建随机森林、支持向量机、朴素贝叶斯、BP神经网络、XGBoost预测模型,同时采用多因素logistic回归模型分析患者预后的影响因素。通过受试者操作特征(ROC)曲线及PR曲线筛选出最佳预测模型后,采用SHAP解释模型对其进行特征解释,并随机抽取1例患者进行模型评估。结果 两组年龄、吸烟史、职业、类风湿因子、抗链球菌溶血素、Ig M、红细胞沉降率、谷草转氨酶、热盐包治疗、针灸治疗、推拿治疗、骨质疏松仪治疗、关节功能状态分期、患者健康评定量表评分、视觉模拟评分法评分比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。多因素分析结果显示,年龄(OR=1.066,95%CI:1.021~1.113)、职业(OR=16.711,95%CI:5.499~50.787)、骨质疏松仪使用情况(OR=6.836,95%CI:2.362~19.782)、关节功能状态分期(OR=2.756,95%CI:1.388~5.474)、患者健康评定量表评分(OR=6.287,95%CI:2.514~15.718)是类风湿性关节炎合并骨质疏松症患者预后不良的独立影响因素(P<0.05)。ROC及PR曲线结果显示,随机森林预测模型性能最好,可信性最高。SHAP解释模型显示,类风湿因子水平、患者健康评定量表评分、职业等均为类风湿性关节炎合并骨质疏松症患者预后不良的影响因素。患者模型评估结果显示,类风湿因子水平、职业、患者健康评定量表评分、年龄、是否推拿治疗为该例患者预后的主要影响因素。结论 基于机器学习的预后预测模型可预测类风湿性关节炎合并骨质疏松症患者的预后情况,可针对相关因素进行预防和规范性治疗,减少不良预后发生。

不同制备工艺的坤痹消方治疗类风湿关节炎的药效学研究

目的:筛选坤痹消方治疗类风湿关节炎(RA)的最佳制备工艺。方法:根据制备方法的不同,将坤痹消方分为3种制备工艺。建立雄性及雌性牛Ⅱ型胶原诱导关节炎(CIA)大鼠模型,通过足肿胀体积、关节炎指数、脾脏指数、膝关节病理评估不同工艺的坤痹消方对RA的治疗作用。建立雄性及雌性小鼠醋酸扭体疼痛模型,通过扭体次数评估不同工艺的坤痹消方的镇痛作用。结果:坤痹消方工艺2能够显著降低雄性及雌性CIA大鼠足肿胀体积、关节炎指数(P<0.01;P<0.05);坤痹消方工艺2、工艺3均能降低雌性CIA大鼠脾脏指数(P<0.01;P<0.05);在病理损伤方面,坤痹消方工艺2能够显著改善雄性及雌性CIA大鼠滑膜增生及炎症细胞浸润程度(P<0.05;P<0.01)。在镇痛方面,坤痹消方工艺2能显著降低雄性小鼠扭体次数(P<0.01);坤痹消方工艺3能显著降低雄性及雌性小鼠扭体次数(P<0.05)。结论:坤痹消方工艺2能够改善CIA大鼠关节炎症,减轻膝关节的病理损伤,并有一定的镇痛作用,为坤痹消方的最优工艺。