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

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

Effects of Triptolide on the Expression and Activity of NF-κB in Synovium of Collagen-induced Arthritis Rats

Summary： The expression and activity of NF-kB in the synovium of collagen-induced arthritis （CIA） rats was detected in order to investigate the possible therapeutic effects of triptolide on rheumatoid arthritis （RA）. The experimental Wistar rat model of CIA was set up by intradermal injection of emulsion of bovine collagen 11 and the successful rate of setting-up models was evaluated by arthritis index （AI）. Rats were grouped randomly into three groups： normal, model and treatment group. The expression of TNF-α and IL-6 in synovial fluid was detected by ELISA, and the expression and activity of NF kB in synovium by immunohistochemistry method and by electrophoretic mobility shift assay （EMSA） respectively. As compared with normal group, the expression of TNF a and IL-6 in synovia （P〈0. 05）, and the expression and activity of NF-kB （P〈0.05） in synovium were increased in model group. There was statistical difference in above-mentioned indexes between model group and treatment group. Triptolide may play a protective role in IRA via downregulating the expression and activity of NF-kB in synovium.

Prediction of Response of Collagen-induced Arthritis Rats to Methotrexate： An ~1H-NMR-based Urine Metabolomic Analysis

Over one half the patients with rheumatoid arthritis （RA） are being treated with methotrexate （MTX）. Although well proven, the efficacy of MTX varies in individual patients. This study examined the metabolic biomarkers that can be used to predict the therapeutic effect of MTX by using metabolomic analysis. Rats were immunized with collagen to rapidly cause collagen-induced arthritis （CIA） and then treated with 0.1 mg/kg MTX for 4 weeks. The clinical signs and the histopathological features of CIA were observed to evaluate the therapeutic effects. Urine samples of CIA rats were collected, and analyzed by using 600 M 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance （1H-NMR） for spectral binning after the therapy. The urine spectra were divided into spectral bins, and 20 endogenous metabolites were assigned by Chenomx Suite. Multivariate analyses were performed to identify the spectral pattern of endogenous metabolites related to MTX therapy. The results showed that the clustering of the spectra of the urine samples from the responsive rats （n=20） was different from that from the non-responsive rats （n=11）. Multivariate analysis showed difference in metabolic profiles between the responsive and non-responsive rats by using partial least squares-discrimination analysis （PLS-DA） （R2=0.812, Q2=0.604）. In targeted profiling, 13 endogenous metabolites （uric acid, taurine, histidine, methionine, glycine, etc.） were selected as putative biomarkers for predicting therapeutic response to MTX. It was suggested that 1H-NMR-based metabolomic analysis can be used to predict the therapeutic effect of MTX, and several metabolites were found to be related to the therapeutic effects of MTX.

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

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

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.

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.

Nuciferine alleviates collagen-induced arthritic in rats by inhibiting the proliferation and invasion of human arthritis-derived fibroblast-like synoviocytes and rectifying Th17/Treg imbalance

Rheumatoid arthritis(RA)is a chronic autoimmune disorder marked by persistent synovial inflammation and joint degradation,posing challenges in the development of effective treatments.Nuciferine,an alkaloid found in lotus leaf,has shown promising anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects,yet its efficacy in RA treatment remains unexplored.This study investigated the antiproliferative effects of nuciferine on the MH7A cell line,a human RA-derived fibroblast-like synoviocyte,revealing its ability to inhibit cell proliferation,promote apoptosis,induce apoptosis,and cause G1/S phase arrest.Additionally,nuciferine significantly reduced the migration and invasion capabilities of MH7A cells.The therapeutic potential of nuciferine was further evaluated in a collagen-induced arthritis(CIA)rat model,where it markedly alleviated joint swelling,synovial hyperplasia,cartilage injury,and inflammatory infiltration.Nuciferine also improved collagen-induced bone erosion,decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines and serum immunoglobulins(IgG,IgG1,IgG2a),and restored the balance between T helper(Th)17 and regulatory T cells in the spleen of CIA rats.These results indicate that nuciferine may offer therapeutic advantages for RA by decreasing the proliferation and invasiveness of FLS cells and correcting the Th17/Treg cell imbalance in CIA rats.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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。

Polyherbal formula SC-E3 inhibits rheumatoid arthritis activity in a mouse model of type-Ⅱcollagen-induced arthritis

Objective:SC-E3 is a polyherbal formula that contains five medicinal herbs used frequently in traditional herbal medicine.In our previous study,we demonstrated the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of SC-E3.The present study examined the effects of SC-E3 in a mouse model of type-II collagen-induced arthritis(CIA).Methods:In vivo,male DBA/1 J mice were immunized by intradermal injection of bovine type-II collagen and complete or incomplete Freund’s adjuvant,to induce arthritis.SC-E3 was orally administered daily for 23 days.In vitro,bone marrow-derived macrophages(BMMs)were treated with macrophage colony-stimulating factor(M-CSF)and receptor activator of nuclear factor-j B ligand(RANKL)in the absence or presence of SC-E3.Results:Administrations of SC-E3 were found to have anti-arthritic effects in the joints of CIA mice,as evidenced by reduced paw swelling,bone erosion and deformation,inflammatory cell infiltration,and inflammation in synovial membrane.SC-E3 also reduced serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-a,interleukin-1 b,aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase.Furthermore,tartrateresistant acid phosphatase-positive osteoclast numbers in the joints were significantly lower in SC-E3-treated CIA mice than in CIA mice.In addition,the differentiations of BMMs to multinucleated osteoclasts induced by M-CSF and RANKL stimulation were dose-dependently reduced by SC-E3.Conclusion:These results suggest that SC-E3 possesses substantial anti-arthritic activity because it inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokines and osteoclastogenesis,and that SC-E3 has potential therapeutic use for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

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。