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.

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.

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.

Effects of methotrexate on collagen-induced arthritis in male Wistar rats

To evaluate the effect of methotrexate on collagen-induced arthritis,micro-computed tomography(micro-CT)and histopathological analyses were used in male Wistar rats.Rats were divided randomly into three groups.Group 1 was treated with 0.9% saline,and groups 2 and 3 were boosted with type II collagen.From day 21 to 42,groups 1 and 2 were orally treated with 0.9% saline and group 3 was orally treated with 1.5 mg/kg methotrexate.All rats were sacrificed at day 42 after the first collagen treatment.Micro-CT analyses showed bony parameters,such as bone volume and trabecular number,were decreased in group 2 compared to group 1,and these parameters were recovered in group 3.Histopathological examination and pathological parameter scoring showed that the knee joints of rats in group 2 had severe joint destruction,showing cartilage and bone erosion,enlarged cavities with inflammatory cell infiltration and activation of synovial fibroblasts.By contrast,these changes were reduced in group 3.Taken together,methotrexate treatment showed therapeutic potential in male rat collageninduced arthritis model,and micro-CT analysis and histopathological tools could be integrated to assess the quantification/qualification of arthritic lesions.

Phytosomal curcumin alleviates collagen-induced arthritis by downregulating Th17 and upregulating Treg cell responses in rats

Objective:To explore the effects of a nano-formulation of curcumin(phytosomal curcumin)on the clinical and pathological symptoms of collagen-induced arthritis(CIA)in rats.Methods:Forty male Wistar rats were immunized with an emulsion containing bovine typeⅡcollagen and incomplete Freund's adjuvant and then administered phytosomal curcumin post-immunization.Clinical symptoms and histological analysis of the synovial tissues were performed.The effect of phytosomal curcumin on Th17 and Treg parameters was also evaluated.Results:Phytosomal curcumin reduced the clinical severity and paw swelling in CIA-induced rats,which was accompanied by a reduction in the number of inflammatory cell infiltration in the synovial tissue.Additionally,treatment with phytosomal curcumin significantly inhibited CIA-associated mediators as well as increased the anti-inflammatory mediators in comparison to the control groups.Conclusions:Phytosomal curcumin could improve CIA autoimmune responses and can be considered a potential candidate for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

The effect of alpha asarone, olive oil, and dexamethasone on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in the mouse

Aim of the Study: The primary aim of the study was to test the effect of 2,4,5-trimethoxy-1-propenylbenzene (alpha asarone), a hypocholes terolaemic drug, on the progression of collagen induced arthritis (CIA) in mice. Olive oil,the vehicle of alpha-asarone, and dexamethasonewere used as control treatments. Set-Up: Four groups of DBA/1 mice were immunised with chicken type II collagen (CII) via the intradermal route and either left untreated or were treated with alpha asarone, olive oil, or dexamethasone. A non-immunised group was an additional control. Follow-Up: The thicknesses of the rear and front footpads were continuously monitored, and the levels of anti-collagen antibodies were measured at the end of the experiment. The animals were then sacrificed, and their rear and front limbs were removed and processed forhistological examination. Results: Alpha asarone had no anti-inflammatory effect on CIA, and in one third of the animals, it showed a proinflammatory effect that was characterised by a marked accumulation of neutrophils. Olive oil did not show any obvious antiinflammatory effect on CIA, but it lowered the level of CII antibodies by 50%, suggesting a potential long-term antiinflammatory effect. As expected, dexamethasone had a clear anti-inflammatory effect on CIA. Con- clusion: Alpha asarone did not show any antiinflammatory effect on CIA in the mice under the above conditions;however, the accumulation of neutrophils in the CIA lesions of mice treated with alpha asarone and the effect of olive oil in downregulating the levels of anti-CII antibodies in CIA are two findings that warrant further investigation.

Treatment of a mouse model of collagen antibody-induced arthritis with human adipose-derived secretions

The use of adipose-derived cells as a treatment for a variety of diseases is becoming increasingly common. These therapies include the use of cultured mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and freshly isolated stromal vascular fraction (SVF) alone, or in conjunction with other cells such as adipocytes. There is a substantial amount of literature published on the therapeutic properties of MSCs and their secretions as the main driver of their therapeutic effect. However, there is little data available on the therapeutic potential of secretions from SVF, either with or without adipocytes. We investigated the ability of secretions from human adipose SVF alone and the SVF co-cultured with adipocytes as a proxy for cell therapy, to ameliorate an inflammatory disorder. This ethics approved study involved the treatment of collagen antibody-induced arthritis (CAIA) in mice with secretions from SVF, SVF co-cultured with adipocytes, or a vehicle control via both intravenous (IV) and intramuscular (IM) routes. Treatment outcome was assessed by paw volume, ankle size and clinical arthritis score measurements. Serum samples were obtained following euthanasia and analysed for a panel of 32 mouse cytokines and growth factors. The dose and timing regime used for the IM administration of both human secretion mixtures did not significantly ameliorate arthritis in this model. The IV administration of SVF adipocyte co-culture secretions reduced the paw volume, and significantly reduced the ankle size and clinical arthritis score when compared to the IV vehicle control mice. This was a superior therapeutic effect than treatment with SVF secretions. Furthermore, treatment with SVF adipocyte coculture secretions resulted in a significant reduction in serum levels of key cytokines, IL-2 and VEGF, involved in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis. Therefore, the SVF cocultured with adipocytes is an attractive therapeutic for inflammatory conditions.

A novel anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory drug CP-25 alleviated collagen induced arthritis by down-regulating BAFF-NF-κκB signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE To investigated the regulatory effect of paeoniflorin-6′-O-benzene sulfonate(CP-25) on B cell activating factor(BAFF)/BAFF receptor-nuclear factor of kappa B(NF-κB) signaling in B cell of collagen induced-arthritis(CIA) mice.METHODS Mice CIA was induced by injection of typeⅡcollagen(CⅡ).The arthritis index(AI) and swollen joint count(SJC) were assessed,and histopathology of spleen and joints were observed.The percentage of B cells subsets,BAFF receptor expressions were analyzed by flow cytometry.BAFF and immunoglobulin(Ig) levels were measured by protein antibody array.The expressions of TRAF2,MKK3,MKK6,p-P38,and p-NF-κB65 in NF-κB signaling mediated by BAFF were analyzed by western blot.RESULTS CP-25 decreased AI and SJC,restored abnormal weights,reduced thymus index and spleen index,inhibited T/B cells proliferation,alleviated the histopathology of spleen and joints in CIA mice.CP-25 also reduced high levels of serum BAFF and immunoglobulin,decreased CD19+B cells,CD19+CD27+B cells,and CD19-CD27+CD138+plasma cells,inhibited BAFFR and TACI expressions,decreased the expressions of TRAF2,MKK3,MKK6,p-P38,and p-NF-κB65.Compared with biological agents etanercept and rituximab,CP-25 restored high T cells proliferation and percentages of B subsets to normal level,and recovered the high levels of IgA,IgD,IgG1,IgG2 a and high expressions molecules in NF-κB signaling to normal levels.The action intensity of rituximab and etanercept was more strong than CP-25.The inhibitor effects of rituximab and etanercept on AI and SJC,thymus index,proliferation of T cells and B cells subsets were strong,and down-regulated the indexes to under normal levels.CONCLUSION CP-25 might be a promising anti-inflammatory immune and regulation drug,which alleviated CIA and regulated the functions of B cells through BAFF/BAFF receptor-NF-κB signaling.

Effect of Yangqixue Qufengshi Recipe (养气血祛风湿方) on Rheumatoid Arthritis Model Mice under Different Genetic Backgrounds

Objective： To study the effect of Yangqixue Qufengshi Recipe （养气血祛风湿方, YQXQFS） on rheumatoid arthritis （RA） model mice under different genetic backgrounds. Methods： Collagen Induced Arthritis （CIA） were established on HLA-DR4 transgenic （TG） mice and non-transgenic （NTG） mice, which partly were raised with YQXQFS, and the onset day of CIA, the level of type Ⅱ collagen （C Ⅱ ）-reactive antibodies and the pathological scores of CIA were assessed. Results： Under HLA-DR4 TG background （compared with NTG mice）, the earlier onset day of CIA （ 11.22±3.35 days vs 16.56 ±4.75 days, P〈0.05） and higher level of C Ⅱ-reactive antibodies （0. 2274±0. 1390μg/ml vs 0.1101±0. 0560μg/ml, P〈0.05） were observed, but the pathological scores of CIA remained unchange. YQXQFS could not influence the onset day of CIA and the level of C Ⅱ-reactive antibodies, but had a certain effect on the total pathological scores （6.56±3.43 scores vs 11.11±5.64 scores） and bone erosion （0.22±0.44 scores vs 1.67±1.50 scores） of CIA on NTG mice （P〈0.05）, NTG YQXQFS group compared with NTG experimental group. Conclusion： YQXQFS had a certain effect on RA model, but had no significant effect on HLA-DR4 related CIA.

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.

Genomic Analysis of 727 Patients with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome I: Clinical Perspective Relates 23 Genes to a Maternally Influenced Arthritis-Adrenaline Disorder

A novel medical approach for qualifying DNA variants found by whole exome sequencing (WES) facilitates discovery of new gene-disease relationships and emphasizes that DNA change must be correlated with clinical findings before having utility for diagnosis. Delineation of an arthritis-adrenaline disorder (AAD) process qualified variants in 23 genes as diagnostically useful in 727 patients having WES among 1656 with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS);these results distinguished them from 102 patients who had qualified gene variants among 728 with developmental disability. Excess maternal transmission of AAD by pedigree analysis plus 167 maternally versus 111 paternally transmitted DNA variants and 75 patients with only mitochondrial DNA variants suggest maternal influence on inheritance of AAD and its subsumed EDS types. Genes grouped by impact on different connective tissue elements showed variation in similar numbers of patients with hypermobile or classical EDS, benign joint hypermobility, or predominant dysautonomia: COL7A1, FLG acting on skin in 21 patients;SCN9A/10A/11A, POLG on nerve in 24;COL6A1/A2/A3, COL12 on muscle in 19;COL5A1/A2, FBN1, TGFB2/3, TGFBR1/2 on tissue matrix in 51;COL3A1, VWF on vessel in 18;COL1A1/A2, COL11A1/A2 acting on bone in 15 patients. Each gene group acts through a postulated articulo-autonomic dysplasia cycle to produce reciprocal tissue laxity and dysautonomia findings that transcend EDS types. This same tissue laxity-dysautonomia cycle acts to produce secondary complications in disorders ranging from distinctive connective tissue dysplasias to developmental disorders with hypotonia and acquired conditions with autonomic imbalance. Several altered genes were previously associated with neuromuscular disorders, foreshadowing a large myopathic EDS category that will incorporate many patients with hypermobility. The importance of muscle for joint constraint supports present exercise and future mesenchymal stem cell therapies, whether AAD is genetic or epigenetic from trauma, surgery, inflammation, or aging.

High Remission Rates in a Brazilian Cohort of Initial Rheumatoid Arthritis after 15 Years of Follow-Up

Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic rheumatic disease which is usually treated with corticosteroids and immunobiologicals. The goal of this article is to carry out an assessment of disease activity indices in a cohort of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Patients and Methods: This is a prospective cohort study. Individuals from the Initial Rheumatoid Arthritis Brasília Cohort, which is an incident cohort of early RA diagnosed patients, were monitored at the Rheumatology Service of the Hospital Universitário de Brasília (HUB), University of Brasília (UnB), Brazil. A cross-sectional analysis was carried out from 2017 to 2018 to evaluate patients with 15 or more years of follow-up, through a direct interview and review of medical records. The main focus of the study is on the assessment of disease activity, based on the indices: 28-joint Disease Activity Score based on Creactive protein (DAS 28 CPR) and based on erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS 28 ESR), Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI), and Simple Disease Activity Index (SDAI). The reference remission criteria used were the Composite Disease Activity Indices. Results: 107 patients were evaluated, mostly women, mean age of 55.1 years. Concerning the disease characteristics, 75.5% of the patients were positive for rheumatoid factor and 12 (11.3%) had documented erosive disease. The mean Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) at the time of assessment was 0.6 (median 0.35). The indices analyzed showed: DAS28-ESR 48.6% of patients were in remission and 12.1% had low activity levels, DAS28-CRP 55.1% and 11.2%, SDAI 42% and 26.1%, CDAI 41.1% and 27.1%. These remission and low disease activity levels are higher than those generally found in the literature. Conclusion: This study presents a cohort of patients with RA who started treatment at an early stage of the disease and who achieved higher rates of remission and lower disease activity than those reported in the literature.

Therapeutic Effect of Dimethyl Dimethoxy Biphenyl Dicarboxylate on Collagen-Induced Arthritis in Rats

Objective： To study the effect of oral administration of dimethyl dimethoxy biphenyl dicarboxylate （DDB） on adjusting angiogeneic/inflammatory mediators and ameliorating the pathology of bones in rats with collagen-induced arthritis （CIA）. Methods： Wistar rat model of CIA was set up using bovine collagen type H. Fifty rats were divided into five groups randomly： normal, CIA model, DDB treatment, methotrexate （MTX） treatment, and combined DDB＋MTX treatment. Ankle joints of rats were imaged with digital X-ray machine to show the destruction of joints. Fore and hind paw and knee joints were removed above the ankle joint then processed for haematoxylin and eosin staining. Plasma levels of vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF）, platelet derived growth factor, interleukin-8 （IL-8）, IL-4, tumor necrosis factor α （TNF-α）, and cyclooxygenase-2 （COX-2） were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Nitric oxide levels were detected by Griess reagent. Results： Compared with the CIA model group, a remarkable reduction in various angiogenic （VEGF and IL-8） and inflammatory mediators （TNF-α, IL-4 and COX-2） after treatment with DDB either alone or combined with MTX （P〈0.05 or P〈0.01）. Histopathological and X-ray findings were confirmatory to the observed DDB anti-arthritic effect. The DDB-treated group showed amelioration in signs of arthritis which appeared essentially similar to normal. Conclusion： Our data shed light on the therapeutic efficacy of DDB in experimental rheumatoid arthritis （RA） compared with a choice drug （MTX） and it may be offered as a second-line drug in the treatment of RA.

Wang-Bi tablet, a patented Chinese medicine, maintains the balance of Th1/Th2 in mice with collagen-induced arthritis

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the pharmacological mechanism of Wang-Bi tablets(WBTs), a Chinese patented medicine, in rheumatoid arthritis(RA) using mice with collagen-induced arthritis(CIA).METHODS: A mouse model of CIA was induced using bovine type Ⅱ collagen. WBT treatment was administered and efficacy was evaluated. The levels of interferon-γ(IFN-γ), interleukin-2(IL-2), and interleukin-4(IL-4) were examined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the proportions of Th1 and Th2 were detected using flow cytometry. T-bet and GATA-binding protein 3(GATA3)expression were demonstrated using Western blot analysis.RESULTS: Paw swelling and the arthritis index decreased significantly following WBT treatment. Histopathological analysis revealed markedly alleviated damage to synovium tissue in the WBT and methotrexate treatment groups. WBT regulated the production of IFN-γ, IL-2, and IL-4 and modulated Th1 and Th2 cell populations, which might have been induced by the attenuation of Th1 and Th2 cell differentiation through a decrease in the expression of T-bet and an increase in the expression of GATA3 in the synovial tissue in CIA mice.CONCLUSION: These results indicate that WBT may produce a therapeutic effect on CIA through maintaining the balance of Th1/Th2 cells, which could result in a decrease in the autoinflammatory disorder observed in RA.

Marginal zone B cells are naturally reactive to collagen type II and are involved in the initiation of the immune response in collagen-induced arthritis

Antibodies against type II collagen(CII)are essential for development of collagen-induced arthritis(CIA),but how and where the B-cell response to CII is initiated is not fully known.We show here that naive DBA/1 mice display naturally reactive IgM and IgG anti-CII producing B cells prior to immunization.The CII-reactive B cells were observed in the spleen and recognized as marginal zone(MZ)B cells.After CII immunization,CII-specific B cells expanded rapidly in the spleen,in contrast to the lymph nodes,with the initial response derived from MZ B cells and later by follicular(FO)B cells.This was evident despite that the MZ B cells were subject to stringent tolerance mechanisms by having a greater Fc gamma receptor IIb expression than the FO B cells.Further,the MZ B cells migrated to the FO areas upon immunization,possibly providing antigen and activating FO T cells and subsequently FO B cells.Thus,around CIA onset increased numbers of IgG anti-CII producing FO B cells was seen in the spleen,which was dominated by IgG2a-and IgG2b-positive cells.These data demonstrate that CII-reactive MZ B cells are present before and expand after CII immunization,suggesting an initiating role of MZ B cells in the development of CIA.

Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic study of triptolide-loaded liposome hydrogel patch under microneedles on rats with collagen-induced arthritis

Triptolide (TP), a major active component of Triptelygium wilfordii Hook.F. (TWHF), is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, it has a narrow therapeutic window due to its serious toxicities. To increase the therapeutic index, a new triptolide-loaded transdermal delivery system, named triptolide-loaded liposome hydrogel patch (TP-LHP), has been developed. In this paper, we used a micro-needle array to deliver TP-LHP to promote transdermal absorption and evaluated this treatment on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of TP-LHP in a rat model of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). The pharmacokinetic results showed that transdermal delivery of microneedle TP-LHP yielded plasma drug levels which fit a one compartment open model. The relationship equation between plasma concentration and time was C=303.59 x (e(-0.064t)-e(-0.287t)). The results of pharmacodynamic study demonstrated that TP-LHP treatment mitigated the degree of joint swelling and suppressed the expressions of fetal liver kinase-1, fetal liver tyrosine kinase-4 and hypoxia-inducible factor-1a in synovium. Other indicators were also reduced by TP-LHP, including hyperfunction of immune, interleukin-1/3 and interleukin-6 levels in serum. The therapeutic mechanism of TP-LHP might be regulation of the balance between Thl and Th2, as well as inhibition of the expression and biological effects of vascular endothelial growth factor. (C) 2015 Chinese Pharmaceutical Association and Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V.

Effect of Wenhua Juanbi Recipe(温化蠲痹方) on Proliferation and Apoptosis of Synoviocytes in Rats with Collagen-Inducing Arthritis

Objective： To study the effect of Wenhua Juanbi Recipe （温化蠲痹方, W JR） on proliferation and apoptosis of synoviocytes in rats with collagen-inducing arthritis （CIA）. Methods： A CIA model was induced by intradermal injection of bovine collagen type 1[ emulsion at the base of rat tails. Thirty modeled healthy Wistar rats were randomly assigned to one of three groups （10 per group）： the model group, the methotrexate （MTX）- treated group （0.78 mg/kg） and the WJR-treated group （22.9 g/kg）. A group of 10 healthy rats was used as normal control. Treatments or normal saline for the control group were administered by oral gavage once daily. Rats were sacrificed after 30-day treatment and subjected to the following examinations： arthritis index （AI） was estimated, inflammatory cell infiltration and proliferation in synovial membrane were evaluated by microscopy, the synoviocyte apoptosis was determined by TUNEL assay, and the cell apoptosis index was calculated. Results： AI was lowered significantly in the WJR group compared to the model group （P〈0.01）. The pathological findings observed in the model group were reversed in the WJR group, including increase in inflammatory cell infiltration and synoviocyte proliferation in synovial membrane and reduction in cell apoptosis index （all P〈0.01）. Conclusions： Synoviocyte proliferation and apoptosis reduction were present in CIA rats. WJR was effective in treating the rat model of CIA. The therapeutic effect might be exerted through inducing apoptosis and suppressing proliferation of synoviocytes.

Stimulation of TNF receptor type 2 expands regulatory T cells and ameliorates established collagen-induced arthritis in mice

Tumor necrosis factor(TNF)and its receptors TNF receptor type 1(TNFR1)and type 2(TNFR2)have a central role in chronic inflammatory diseases.While TNFR1 mainly confers inflammation,activation of TNFR2 elicits not only pro-inflammatory but also anti-inflammatory effects.In this study,we wanted to investigate the anti-inflammatory therapeutic potential of selective activation of TNFR2 in mice with established collageninduced arthritis.Mice with established arthritis induced by immunization with bovine collagen type II were treated with six injections of the TNFR2-specific agonist TNCscTNF80,given every second day.Two days after treatment cessation,the cell compositions of bone marrow,spleen and lymph nodes were analyzed.Mice were visually scored until day 30 after the start of therapy and the degree of joint inflammation was determined by histology.Treatment with TNCscTNF80 increased arthritis-induced myelopoiesis.Little effect was seen on the infiltration rate of inflammatory immature myeloid cells and on the reduction of lymphoid cells in secondary lymphoid organs.Upon treatment,frequency of regulatory T(Treg)cells in the CD4+T-cell population was increased in both spleen and inguinal lymph nodes.In addition,the expression of TNFR2 on Treg cells was enhanced.The clinical score started to improve 1 week after cessation treatment and remained lower 30 days after initiation of therapy.The histological score also revealed amelioration of joint inflammation in TNCscTNF80-treated versus control mice.Activation of TNFR2 might provide a suitable therapeutic strategy in autoimmune arthritis by increasing the numbers of regulatory cell types,in particular Treg cells,and by attenuation of arthritis.

Protective Effects of Overexpression TCR Vβ5.2-HSP70 and TCR Vβ8.2-HSP70 against Collagen-Induced Arthritis in Rats

Collagen-induced arthritis （CIA） is an animal model, which closely resembles human rheumatoid arthritis （RA） in pathogenesis and pathology. Evidence suggests that the inhibition of T lymphocytes or their functions can alleviate the progression of arthritis. So the administration of arthritogenic T cell receptor （TCR） variable region peptide or DNA vaccines encoding pathogenic TCR Vβ variable region may provide useful information for designing specific immunotherapies against autoimmune diseases. Heat shock proteins （HSPs） have the function of raising antigenic immunogenicity and HSP70 has a protective effect against arthritis. We previously demonstrated the presence of pathogenic predominant T cell receptor Vβ5.2 and Vβ8.2 clonotypes in the joints of CIA rats. In this study, we constructed the recombinant eukaryotic expression vectors pTARGET-TCR Vβ5.2/8.2-HSP70, and evaluated their protective effects on CIA rats. Protective effects were observed in CIA rats by injecting these recombinant DNA vaccines, which could alleviate arthritis index, decrease the levels of IFN-~ and anti-CII antibody in serum, and increase the levels of IL-4. Pathological changes were not as serious as those observed in control CIA rats. The rat injected with two combined vaccines showed better protective effects than CIA rats administered with individual vaccine. These results showed that recombinant DNA vaccines pTARGET-TCR Vβ5.2-HSP70 and pTARGET-TCR Vβ8.2-HSP70 could significantly alleviate the arthritic symptoms of CIA rats, and better protective effects could be achieved if these two vaccines were used in combination. Cellular ＆ Molecular Immunology.