Low-Intensity Physical Exercise Decreases Inflammation and Joint Damage in the Preclinical Phase of a Rheumatoid Arthritis Murine Model

Abstract

Lifestyle modifications in preclinical Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) could delay the ongoing pathogenic immune processes and potentially prevent its onset. Physical exercise (PE) benefits RA patients; however, its impact in reducing the risk of developing RA has scarcely been studied. The objective was to describe the effects of low-intensity PE applied at the disease’s preclinical phase on the joints of DBA/1 mice with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). Twelve mice with CIA were randomly distributed into two groups: the CIA-Ex group, which undertook treadmill PE, and the CIA-NoEx, which was not exercised. The effects of PE were evaluated through clinical, histological, transcriptomics, and immunodetection analyses in the mice’s hind paws. The CIA-Ex group showed lower joint inflammation and damage and a decreased expression of RA-related genes (Tnf Il2, Il10, Il12a, IL23a, and Tgfb1) and signaling pathways (Cytokines, Chemokines, JAK-STAT, MAPK, NF-kappa B, TNF, and TGF-beta). TNF-α expression was decreased by PE in the inflamed joints. Low-intensity PE in pre-arthritic CIA reduced the severity through joint down-expression of proinflammatory genes and proteins. Knowledge on the underlying mechanisms of PE in preclinical arthritis and its impact on reducing the risk of developing RA is still needed.

Effectiveness of locomotion training in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a prospective clinical trial

“…One of the factors for the decrease in disease activity is presumed to be improvement in pain VAS. Although we could not evaluate levels of inflammatory cytokines, a study on mice with collagen-induced arthritis showed that low-intensity exercise decreased inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α 25) . We believe that exercise therapy affects the improvement of conditions in RA.…”

Hypoxia with or without Treadmill Exercises Affects Slow-Twitch Muscle Atrophy and Joint Destruction in a Rat Model of Rheumatoid Arthritis

“…Excessive mechanical stress on articular cartilage is a risk for osteoarthritis, whereas moderate mechanical stress is anabolic [24,25]. González-Chávez et al reported that low-intensity physical exercise decreases joint damage and the expression of RA-related genes and signaling pathways [26]. Shimomura et al reported that HIF-1α regulates aggrecan and ADAM-TS5 expression in response to mechanical stimulation under hypoxia and general mechanical stimulation in articular cartilage under hypoxia while controlling cartilage homeostasis [17].…”

Dietary oleacein, a secoiridoid from extra virgin olive oil, prevents collagen-induced arthritis in mice

“…JAK/STAT pathway plays a crucial role in the inflammatory process of the synovium and bone destruction in RA 31 and is activated by upstream cytokines, such as IL-6 and IL-17, among others. 32 We evaluated pJAK-3 and pSTAT-3 protein expression by western blot from hind paw homogenates.…”