Artesunate Ameliorates Functional Limitations in Freund’s Complete Adjuvant-Induced Monoarthritis in Rat by Maintaining Oxidative Homeostasis and Inhibiting COX-2 Expression

Abstract

Drugs exhibiting anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties have been clinically used in the management of pain and impairment of joint functions in arthritis. In view of available studies on the beneficial effect of artesunate in various inflammatory conditions, the present study was carried out to evaluate its efficacy in ameliorating functional limitations of arthritis and to understand the underlying mechanisms. The study was carried out in rat model of Freund's complete adjuvant-induced monoarthritis where artesunate was found to produce a dose-dependent reduction in joint inflammation, improvement in functional parameters like stair climbing ability, motility, and suppression of mechanical allodynia at the doses of 50 and 150 mg/kg. Our study shows that protection afforded by artesunate was brought about by decreasing the levels of nitric oxide, influx of neutrophils, maintenance of oxidative homeostasis, inhibition of COX-2 expression, and apoptosis. Further, histological analysis of the arthritic joints also substantiated the anti-inflammatory property of artesunate. Thus, our study shows that artesunate has a potential for use in the treatment of arthritis.

Freund´s complete adjuvant effect on BALB/c mice: an insight into inflammation and oxidative stress after immunity challenge

“…Despite its high effi cacy in vaccination, FCA has adverse effect and application of FCA is connected with an unwanted distress (1). Firstly, application of FCA causes pro-infl ammatory reaction of immune system with growing infl ammatory cytokines release (2,3). Several adverse effects by FCA application can arise as a result of infl ammation.…”

Effects of Artesunate on the Expressions of Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1, Osteopontin and C-Telopeptides of Type II Collagen in a Rat Model of Osteoarthritis

“…Meanwhile, it can inhibit the degradation of type II collagen degradation, may have a certain effect on arthritis, bone osteoporosis, and other diseases [17]. Elevation of COX-II expression appeared in the rats of OA was also suppressed following treatment with artesunate [35]. In addition, it has been reported that Viatril-S has anti-inflammatory properties by contributing to inhibit COX-II [20].…”

Artesunate Ameliorates Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis by Inhibiting Leukocyte Migration to the Central Nervous System

“…Other studies have shown that Art presents a beneficial effect on the treatment of experimental arthritis models . For instance, Art treatment initiating in the induction phase of collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA) promoted a significant amelioration in the inflammatory process of the cartilages and that effect correlated with a diminished infiltration of leukocytes to the joints . Art treatment in CIA promoted a reduction in the serum levels of TNF‐α and the chemotactic factor MCP‐1 .…”

“…These data suggest that Art has little effect on the activation of T cells and dendritic cells. Literature present data regarding alterations in macrophages, synoviocytes, and B lymphocytes followed Art treatment . We did not evaluate these cellular components in our study, as EAE is mainly a T cell‐driven disease, although macrophages play an important role.…”

“…Many drugs that were used in the treatment of infections have discovered new uses in the amelioration of inflammation, which is the case of chloroquine, primaquine, dihydroxyartemisinin, and artesunate, among others . Artesunate (Art), a semi‐synthetic sesquiterpene derived from Artemisia annua L., has originally been used in the treatment of malaria .…”