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Zhao L, Wu Q, Long Y, Qu Q, Qi F, Liu L, Zhang L, Ai K. microRNAs: critical targets for treating rheumatoid arthritis angiogenesis. J Drug Target 2024; 32:1-20. [PMID: 37982157 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2023.2284097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
Vascular neogenesis, an early event in the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) inflammation, is critical for the formation of synovial vascular networks and plays a key role in the progression and persistence of chronic RA inflammation. microRNAs (miRNAs), a class of single-stranded, non-coding RNAs with approximately 21-23 nucleotides in length, regulate gene expression by binding to the 3' untranslated region (3'-UTR) of specific mRNAs. Increasing evidence suggests that miRNAs are differently expressed in diseases associated with vascular neogenesis and play a crucial role in disease-related vascular neogenesis. However, current studies are not sufficient and further experimental studies are needed to validate and establish the relationship between miRNAs and diseases associated with vascular neogenesis, and to determine the specific role of miRNAs in vascular development pathways. To better treat vascular neogenesis in diseases such as RA, we need additional studies on the role of miRNAs and their target genes in vascular development, and to provide more strategic references. In addition, future studies can use modern biotechnological methods such as proteomics and transcriptomics to investigate the expression and regulatory mechanisms of miRNAs, providing a more comprehensive and in-depth research basis for the treatment of related diseases such as RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingyun Zhao
- College of Acupuncture, Tuina and Rehabilitation, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Qingze Wu
- College of Acupuncture, Tuina and Rehabilitation, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Yiying Long
- Hunan Traditional Chinese Medical College, Zhuzhou, China
| | - Qirui Qu
- College of Acupuncture, Tuina and Rehabilitation, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Fang Qi
- College of Acupuncture, Tuina and Rehabilitation, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Li Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Liang Zhang
- College of Acupuncture, Tuina and Rehabilitation, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Kun Ai
- College of Acupuncture, Tuina and Rehabilitation, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
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Fu W, Shentu C, Chen D, Qiu J, Zong C, Yu H, Zhang Y, Chen Y, Liu X, Xu T. Network pharmacology combined with affinity ultrafiltration to elucidate the potential compounds of Shaoyao Gancao Fuzi Decoction for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 330:118268. [PMID: 38677569 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Shaoyao Gancao Fuzi Decoction (SGFD), has been employed for thousands of years in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with remarkable clinical efficacy. However, the material basis underlying the effectiveness of SGFD still remains unclear. AIM OF THE REVIEW This study aims to elucidate the material basis of SGFD through the application of network pharmacology and biological affinity ultrafiltration. RESULTS UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS was employed to characterize the components in SGFD, the identified 145 chemical components were mainly categorized into alkaloids, flavonoids, triterpenoids, and monoterpenoids according to the structures. Network pharmacology method was utilized to identify potential targets and signaling pathways of SGFD in the RA treatment, and the anti-inflammatory and anti-RA effects of SGFD were validated through in vivo and in vitro experiments. Moreover, as the significant node in the pharmacology network, TNF-α, a classical therapeutic target in RA, was subsequent employed to screen the interacting compounds in SGFD via affinity ultrafiltration screening method, 6 active molecules (i.e.,glycyrrhizic acid, paeoniflorin, formononetin, isoliquiritigenin, benzoyl mesaconitine, and glycyrrhetinic acid) were exhibited significant interactions. Finally, the significant anti-inflammatory and anti-TNF-α effects of these compounds were validated at the cellular level. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, this study comprehensively elucidates the pharmacodynamic material basis of SGFD, offering a practical reference model for the systematic investigation of traditional Chinese medicine formulas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiliang Fu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310058, China; Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310058, China
| | - Chengyu Shentu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310058, China
| | - Dan Chen
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310058, China; Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310058, China
| | - Junjie Qiu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310058, China; Cangnan County Qiushi Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 366, Xingke Road, Lingxi Town, Cangnan County, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, 325899, China
| | - Chuhong Zong
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310058, China
| | - Hengyuan Yu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310058, China
| | - Yiwei Zhang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310058, China
| | - Yong Chen
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310058, China; Cangnan County Qiushi Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 366, Xingke Road, Lingxi Town, Cangnan County, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, 325899, China
| | - Xuesong Liu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310058, China; Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310058, China; Cangnan County Qiushi Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 366, Xingke Road, Lingxi Town, Cangnan County, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, 325899, China.
| | - Tengfei Xu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310058, China; Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310058, China; Cangnan County Qiushi Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 366, Xingke Road, Lingxi Town, Cangnan County, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, 325899, China.
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Jiang J, Sheng Y, Zheng Z, Qin F, Jiang B. Agrimonolide mitigated DSS-induced colitis by modulating the balance between Treg and Th17 cells through the suppression of the Notch and JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathways. Heliyon 2024; 10:e33803. [PMID: 39071599 PMCID: PMC11283111 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e33803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of agrimonolide (AM) on mice with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis and elucidate its protective mechanisms. Methods A 3 % DSS solution was used to induce colitis, and intragastric administration of AM at doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg was performed. A comprehensive assessment was conducted to evaluate inflammatory responses and mucosal integrity in the colon. Inflammatory factors were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The proportions of T helper cell 17 (Th17) and regulatory T cells (Treg) cells in mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) was analyzed through RT-qPCR and flow cytometry. Proteins associated with the Notch and JAK2/STAT3 pathways were examined via RT-qPCR, western blotting, and immunofluorescence. Additionally, the impact of AM on Treg and Th17 cell differentiation was investigated in vitro. Results Pre-treatment with AM significantly alleviated colon inflammation in mice, as evidenced by reduced body weight loss, shorter colon length, lower disease activity index (DAI) score, and decreased myeloperoxidase (MPO) content. Notably, AM pre-treatment attenuated the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and IL-6, in mice with DSS-induced colitis. Additionally, AM pre-treatment significantly enhanced the expression of tight junction proteins (Occludin and ZO-1), thereby preserving gut barrier function. Moreover, we observed that AM administration decreased the ratio of Th17 cells while increasing the frequency of colonic Treg cells, thus modulating the Th17/Treg balance both in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, in the AM-treated group, the expression of Notch-1, Jagged1, delta like 4 (DLL4), phospho-janus kinases 2 (p-JAK2)/JAK2, and p-signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)/STAT3 in colonic tissue was reduced compared to the DSS group. Remarkably, the therapeutic effects of AM in colitis mice were blocked by a Notch activator. Conclusion These findings underscore the effectiveness of AM in alleviating symptoms and pathological damage in DSS-induced colitis mice by rebalancing Th17/Treg cell homeostasis through modulation of the Notch and JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathways. These insights into AM's mechanisms of action offer potential avenues for novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Jiang
- Changshu Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, PR China
- Institute of Colorectal Disease Center of Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Yuxiang Sheng
- Institute of Colorectal Disease Center of Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Zheng Zheng
- Institute of Colorectal Disease Center of Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Fuhao Qin
- Institute of Colorectal Disease Center of Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Bin Jiang
- Institute of Colorectal Disease Center of Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, PR China
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Su QY, Li HC, Jiang XJ, Jiang ZQ, Zhang Y, Zhang HY, Zhang SX. Exploring the therapeutic potential of regulatory T cell in rheumatoid arthritis: Insights into subsets, markers, and signaling pathways. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 174:116440. [PMID: 38518605 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a complex autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic disease characterized by an imbalance between immunological reactivity and immune tolerance. Regulatory T cells (Tregs), which play a crucial role in controlling ongoing autoimmunity and maintaining peripheral tolerance, have shown great potential for the treatment of autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases such as RA. This review aims to provide an updated summary of the latest insights into Treg-targeting techniques in RA. We focus on current therapeutic strategies for targeting Tregs based on discussing their subsets, surface markers, suppressive function, and signaling pathways in RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin-Yi Su
- The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Department of Rheumatology, Taiyuan, China; Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Rheumatism Immune Microecology, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China; Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Huan-Cheng Li
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Rheumatism Immune Microecology, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China; Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Xiao-Jing Jiang
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Rheumatism Immune Microecology, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China; Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Zhong-Qing Jiang
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Rheumatism Immune Microecology, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China; Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Rheumatism Immune Microecology, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China; Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - He-Yi Zhang
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Rheumatism Immune Microecology, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China; Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Sheng-Xiao Zhang
- The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Department of Rheumatology, Taiyuan, China; Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Rheumatism Immune Microecology, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China; Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China.
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Wang X, Sun B, Wang Y, Gao P, Song J, Chang W, Xiao Z, Xi Y, Li Z, An F, Yan C. Research progress of targeted therapy regulating Th17/Treg balance in bone immune diseases. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1333993. [PMID: 38352872 PMCID: PMC10861655 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1333993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) are common bone-immune diseases. The imbalance between helper (Th17) and regulatory T cells (Tregs) produced during differentiation of CD4+ T cells plays a key regulatory role in bone remodelling disorders in RA and PMOP. However, the specific regulatory mechanism of this imbalance in bone remodelling in RA and PMOP has not been clarified. Identifying the regulatory mechanism underlying the Th17/Treg imbalance in RA and PMOP during bone remodelling represents a key factor in the research and development of new drugs for bone immune diseases. In this review, the potential roles of Th17, Treg, and Th17/Treg imbalance in regulating bone remodelling in RA and PMOP have been summarised, and the potential mechanisms by which probiotics, traditional Chinese medicine compounds, and monomers maintain bone remodelling by regulating the Th17/Treg balance are expounded. The maintenance of Th17/Treg balance could be considered as an therapeutic alternative for the treatment of RA and PMOP. This study also summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of conventional treatments and the quality of life and rehabilitation of patients with RA and PMOP. The findings presented her will provide a better understanding of the close relationship between bone immunity and bone remodelling in chronic bone diseases and new ideas for future research, prevention, and treatment of bone immune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaxia Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Bai Sun
- School of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Yujie Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Peng Gao
- School of Basic Medicine, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Jiayi Song
- School of Basic Medicine, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Weirong Chang
- School of Basic Medicine, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Zhipan Xiao
- School of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Yongbin Xi
- Orthopaedics Department, The No.2 People's Hospital of Lanzhou, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Zhonghong Li
- Pathological Research Centre, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Fangyu An
- Teaching Experiment Training Centre, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Chunlu Yan
- School of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
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Li W, Yu L, Li W, Ge G, Ma Y, Xiao L, Qiao Y, Huang W, Huang W, Wei M, Wang Z, Bai J, Geng D. Prevention and treatment of inflammatory arthritis with traditional Chinese medicine: Underlying mechanisms based on cell and molecular targets. Ageing Res Rev 2023; 89:101981. [PMID: 37302756 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.101981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Inflammatory arthritis, primarily including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, is a group of chronic inflammatory diseases, whose general feature is joint dysfunction with chronic pain and eventually causes disability in older people. To date, both Western medicine and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) have developed a variety of therapeutic methods for inflammatory arthritis and achieved excellent results. But there is still a long way to totally cure these diseases. TCM has been used to treat various joint diseases for thousands of years in Asia. In this review, we summarize clinical efficacies of TCM in inflammatory arthritis treatment after reviewing the results demonstrated in meta-analyses, systematic reviews, and clinical trials. We pioneered taking inflammatory arthritis-related cell targets of TCM as the entry point and further elaborated the molecular targets inside the cells of TCM, especially the signaling pathways. In addition, we also briefly discussed the relationship between gut microbiota and TCM and described the role of drug delivery systems for using TCM more accurately and safely. We provide updated and comprehensive insights into the clinical application of TCM for inflammatory arthritis treatment. We hope this review can guide and inspire researchers to further explore mechanisms of the anti-arthritis activity of TCM and make a great leap forward in comprehending the science of TCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhao Li
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, Jiangsu, China; Orthopedic Institute, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lei Yu
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, Jiangsu, China; Orthopedic Institute, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wenming Li
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, Jiangsu, China; Orthopedic Institute, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, Jiangsu, China
| | - Gaoran Ge
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, Jiangsu, China; Orthopedic Institute, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yong Ma
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, School of Chinese Medicine & School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Long Xiao
- Translational Medical Innovation Center, Department of Orthopedics, Zhangjiagang TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Zhangjiagang 215600, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yusen Qiao
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, Jiangsu, China; Orthopedic Institute, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wei Huang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230031, Anhui, China
| | - Wenli Huang
- School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230031, Anhui, China
| | - Minggang Wei
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhirong Wang
- Translational Medical Innovation Center, Department of Orthopedics, Zhangjiagang TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Zhangjiagang 215600, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Jiaxiang Bai
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, Jiangsu, China; Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230031, Anhui, China.
| | - Dechun Geng
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, Jiangsu, China; Orthopedic Institute, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, Jiangsu, China.
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Qin H, Fu Y, Zhou K, Song H, Fang G, Chen Q, Pang Y. Toddalia asiatica extract attenuates adjuvant-induced arthritis by modulating colon Th17/Treg balance and colony homeostasis. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 313:116542. [PMID: 37127142 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Given the adverse effects of the current principal treatments, there is still a great need for effective cures for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an immune-mediated disease. Toddalia asiatica (L.) Lam is a traditional medicinal herb that can be used for RA treatment because of its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. AIM OF THE STUDY To investigate the possible effects of Toddalia asiatica extract (TAE) on intestinal immunity and the intestinal bacterial flora in a rat model of RA. MATERIALS AND METHODS The anti-arthritis effect of TAE was evaluated in arthritis rats induced by complete Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA). Arthritis index (AI) scores, systemic inflammation scores, histopathologic changes in the colon and ankle were detected by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Western blot analysis was performed to assess the protein expression of IL-17A, RORC, IL-1β, IL-6, FOXP3, IL-10 in the colon. RT-PCR was performed to assess the expression of the colon's mRNA. Finally, changes to the gut microbiome by sequencing 16S rDNA. Microbial function prediction was performed using PICRUSt with the KEGG databases and correlation analysis was carried out by computing Spearman's rank correlations. RESULTS demonstrated that TAE administration at a dose of 3 g/kg dramatically decreased AI scores, systemic inflammation scores, and histopathologic lesions of the ankle and colon in AIA rats. TAE was found to significantly reduce the expression levels of Th17-related proteins and mRNAs (IL-17A, RORC, IL-1β and IL-6) in the colon, while increasing the expression levels of Treg-related proteins and mRNA (IL-10 and FOXP3), which helped restore the balance of Th17/Treg immune cells in the colon. Meanwhile, TAE was also found to be capable of remodeling the gut microbiota in AIA rats. Depleting RA-associated genera and thereby increasing α-diversity enriched the gut microbiota's diversity and shifted the community composition dramatically, leading to the increase of Firmicutes_unclassified, Ruminococcaceae_unclassified, Muribaculum, Subdoligranulum, Lachnospira, Marvinbryantia, and the reduction of RA-related bacteria Ligilactobacillus, Streptococcus and Eubacterium-eligens-group. Furthermore, PICRUSt analysis revealed that metabolic pathways were associated with TAE treatment, with metabolic pathways dominating. Among them, metabolic pathways were predominant. Correlation studies showed that a total of 9 microorganisms, including Ligilactobacillus, Eubacterium-eligens-group and Subdoligranulum, were significantly associated with Th17/Treg expression. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that TAE is a low-toxicity poly alkaline drug that can rapidly and effectively improve joint symptoms in RA rats and increases beneficial intestinal bacteria and decreases harmful ones, which is associated with modulating Th17/Treg interactions in intestinal T cells and reversing microbial disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huangguan Qin
- College of Zhuang Medicine, Guangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanning, 530022, PR China; Guangxi Zhuang Yao Medicine Center of Engineering and Technology, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, 530200, PR China
| | - Yulei Fu
- College of Zhuang Medicine, Guangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanning, 530022, PR China; Guangxi Zhuang Yao Medicine Center of Engineering and Technology, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, 530200, PR China
| | - Kan Zhou
- College of Zhuang Medicine, Guangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanning, 530022, PR China; Guangxi Zhuang Yao Medicine Center of Engineering and Technology, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, 530200, PR China
| | - Huanhuan Song
- College of Zhuang Medicine, Guangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanning, 530022, PR China; Guangxi Zhuang Yao Medicine Center of Engineering and Technology, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, 530200, PR China
| | - Gang Fang
- College of Zhuang Medicine, Guangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanning, 530022, PR China; Guangxi Zhuang Yao Medicine Center of Engineering and Technology, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, 530200, PR China
| | - Qing Chen
- Guangxi Zhuang Yao Medicine Center of Engineering and Technology, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, 530200, PR China.
| | - Yuzhou Pang
- College of Zhuang Medicine, Guangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanning, 530022, PR China; Guangxi Zhuang Yao Medicine Center of Engineering and Technology, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, 530200, PR China.
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