Anti-arthritic activity of Fu-Fang-Lu-Jiao-Shuang on collagen-induced arthritis in Balb/c mice and its underlying mechanisms

Abstract

Background:Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common, autoimmune disorder characterized by progressive multiple joint destruction, deformity, disability and premature death in most patients. Fu-Fang-Lu-Jiao-Shuang (FFLJS) is an effective traditional Chinese medicine, which has long been used clinically to treat RA patients.Objective:The objective of this study is aimed to evaluate the anti-rheumatic effects of FFLJS on collagen induced arthritis (CIA) model, as well as the underlying mechanisms, which have not previously been explored.Materials and Methods:CIA was induced by immunization with type II collagen (CII) in male Balb/c mice. The mice in the onset of arthritis were treated daily with FFLJS (125 or 500 mg/kg) or 1% carboxymethyl cellulose-Na for 28 days. Paw thickness and arthritic score were evaluated to confirm the anti-arthritic effect of FFLJS on CIA in mice. Levels of anti-CII antibody, proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-1 (IL-1) β, IL-17, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) as well as prostaglandin E-2 (PGE-2) in serum and histological changes in the ankle joint were also analyzed. In addition, expressions of matrix metalloproteinases-1 (MMP-1), MMP-3 and tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteases-1 (TIMP-1) in synovial tissue were also detected to further study the molecular mechanism of the anti-arthritic effects of FFLJS.Results:During therapeutic treatment, FFLJS significantly reduced paw thickness and arthritic score in CIA mice, decreased the amounts of TNF-α, IL-1 β, IL-17, PGE-2 and anti-CII antibody in serum. In addition, FFLJS treatment could prevent the bone destruction by reducing the expression of MMP-1 and MMP-3, increasing the expression of TIMP-1 in synovial tissue of CIA mice.Conclusion:These findings offer the convincing evidence for the first time that the anti-rheumatic effects of FFLJS might be related to down-regulation of TNF-α, IL-1 β, IL-17 and PGE-2 levels for acute arthritis, and regulation of MMP-1, MMP-3 and TIMP-1 protein expression for chronic arthritis.

A two-herb formula inhibits hyperproliferation of rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes

“…They are also used as folk remedies for treating RA 10 , 14 – 16 . Pharmacological studies showed that RMF 17 and LJF-containing formulas 18 , 19 can attenuate collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). We previously found that a standardized ethanolic extract of RL (RLE for short) has anti-RA effects in CIA rats 20 .…”

4-(Hydroxymethyl)catechol Extracted From Fungi in Marine Sponges Attenuates Rheumatoid Arthritis by Inhibiting PI3K/Akt/NF-κB Signaling

“…We found that 4-HMC suppresses the production of inflammatory cytokines and bone destruction in CIA mice. These inflammatory cytokines promote the synthesis of MMPs, which are matrix-degrading enzymes, responsible for joint destruction through cartilage or bone degradation as well as angiogenesis promotion in RA ( Wang et al, 2015 ). In the case of RA patients, MMPs contribute to cartilage destruction ( Otero and Goldring, 2007 ).…”

A herbal formula comprising Rosae Multiflorae Fructus and Lonicerae Japonicae Flos, attenuates collagen-induced arthritis and inhibits TLR4 signalling in rats

“…It has been shown that oral administration of an extract of Yingshi attenuated the severity of CIA rats without showing any observable adverse effects 21 . Jinyinhua together with other herbs have been demonstrated to improve conditions in CIA mice 37 . In the present study, we demonstrated that the herbal formula RL significantly improved the clinical conditions throughout the course of disease in CIA rats without observable adverse effects.…”