Matrine Exerts a Strong Anti-Arthritic Effect on Type II Collagen-Induced Arthritis in Rats by Inhibiting Inflammatory Responses

Abstract

To investigate anti-arthritic effects of matrine isolated from the roots of S. flavescens on type II collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in rats and to explore its related potential mechanisms, CIA rats were established and administered with matrine (20, 40 or 80 mg/kg/days, for 30 days). Subsequently, blood was collected to determine serum levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17A, IL-10, MMP-2, MMP-3 and MMP-9, and hind paws and knee joints were collected for histopathological examination. Furthermore, indices of the thymus and spleen were determined, and synovial tissues were collected to determine the protein expressions of p-IκB, IκB, Cox-2 and iNOS. Our results indicated that matrine significantly suppressed inflammatory reactions and synovial tissue destruction. Matrine inhibited paw swelling, arthritis indices and weight loss in CIA rats. Additionally, matrine decreased the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17A, MMP-2, MMP-3 and MMP-9. Matrine also down-regulated expressions of p-IκB, Cox-2, and iNOS but up-regulated IκB in synovial tissues in CIA rats. The results suggested matrine possesses an anti-arthritic effect in CIA rats via inhibiting the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and proteins that promote the NF-κB pathway.

Matrine regulates Th1/Th2 cytokine responses in rheumatoid arthritis by attenuating the NF‐κB signaling

“…Recently, a parallel study on anti‐arthritic effect of Matrine in a rat model of CIA has been reported (Pu et al, ). Although some similar findings were found by these two research groups, these two studies were performed independently.…”

“…Therefore, matrine may be valuable drug for development of new therapies for RA in the clinic. We recognize that IL‐17 responses are important for the pathogenesis of RA (Kugyelka et al, ) and matrine regulates IL‐17 responses in animal model of CIA (Pu et al, ; Xu et al, ). We are interested in further investigating whether matrine can directly regulate Th17 cell responses.…”

Investigation of the effect of phlomisoside F on complete Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis

“…The paw volumes of hind paw swelling were measured with a plethysmograph every 7 days. For evaluating signs of arthritis, the AA rats were assessed every 4 days for 28 days using a 5-point ordinal scale, which is a pre-established, widely used scoring system developed to evaluate the severity of adjuvant arthritis (32,33). The rat paws were examined and scored for severity, swelling, erythema and induration by a 5-point ordinal scale (scores 0-4) as follows: 0, unaffected; 1, one type of joint affected; 2, two types of joint affected; 3, three types of joint affected; 4, three types of joint affected plus maximal erythema and swelling.…”

Hemostatic, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects of Sanqixiantao dressing <i>in vivo</i> and <i>in vitro</i>

“…In recent years, herbal therapy have been shown to be beneficial in curing various diseases [8,9]. In addition, these alternative herbal remedies are reliable, inexpensive and of low toxicities [9,10].…”