The aim of this study is to investigate anti-arthritis activity using natural eggshell membrane (NEM). Methods: NEM was administered at 52 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and 400 mg/kg to SD-Rat, where arthritis was induced by monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) at 3 mg. NO production in serum was measured using Griess reagent. Cytokines including IL-1β, and IL-6 were measured by Luminex and PGE 2, MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, LTB 4, and hs-CRP were measured by ELISA. The cartilage of patella volume was examined and 3-D high-resolution reconstructions of the cartilage of patella were obtained using a Micro-CT system. Results: Production of NO, IL-1β, IL-6, PGE 2, MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, LTB 4 , and hs-CRP in serum was decreased, respectively, in comparison with control. The cartilage of patella volume increased significantly. In addition, the NEM group showed a decrease in the cartilage of patella, synovial membrane, and transformation of fibrous tissue. Conclusion: The results for NEM showed significant anti-arthritis activity. These results may be developed as a raw material for new health food to ease the symptoms mentioned above.

We would like to revise the published Abstract sentence [In addition, the NEM group showed a decrease in the cartilage of patella, synovial membrane, and transformation of fibrous tissue.] to [In addition, the NEM group showed a reduced deformation of the cartilage, synovial membrane and fibrous tissue.]. †

Chemical haptens like 2,4‐dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) epicutaneously administered evoke an atopic dermatitis (AD)‐like dermatitis reaction in NC/Nga mice. Bee venom (BV) has shown to have a variety of biological activities including anti‐inflammatory reaction. However, the efficacy of bee venom for the allergic diseases such as atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis and asthma has not been completely investigated. In the present study, we examined whether treatment with bee venom suppresses AD‐like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice induced by DNCB. Dorsal skin administration of BV to NC/Nga mice treated by DNCB was found to inhibit increase of the ear thickness and the skin lesions. In the evaluation of the scratching behavior, it decreased in 15‐20 percentage. The serum immunoglobuline E (IgE) production of DNCB‐treated NC/Nga mice was significantly inhibited by BV treatment. This result suggests that BV may suppress the development of AD‐like dermatitis in DNCB‐treated NC/Nga mice by reducing serum IgE production. It thus indicates that bee venom could be a useful remedy agent for treating the atopic dermatitis.