Influence of resveratrol on rheumatoid fibroblast-like synoviocytes analysed with gene chip transcription

Potential Role of Dietary Phenolic Compounds in the Prevention and Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis: Current Reports

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a complex illness with both hereditary and environmental components. Globally, in 2019, 18 million people had RA. RA is characterized by persistent inflammation of the synovial membrane that lines the joints, cartilage loss, and bone erosion. Phenolic molecules are the most prevalent secondary metabolites in plants, with a diverse spectrum of biological actions that benefit functional meals and nutraceuticals. These compounds have received a lot of attention recently because they have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and anti-rheumatoid activity by modulating tumor necrosis factor, mitogen-activated protein kinase, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells, and c-Jun N-terminal kinases, as well as other preventative properties. This article discusses dietary polyphenols, their pharmacological properties, and innovative delivery technologies for the treatment of RA, with a focus on their possible biological activities. Nonetheless, commercialization of polyphenols may be achievable only after confirming their safety profile and completing successful clinical trials.

Therapeutic effects of shikonin on adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats and cellular inflammation, migration and invasion of rheumatoid fibroblast-like synoviocytes via blocking the activation of Wnt/β-catenin pathway

BACKGROUND

Shikonin (SKN), the main bioactive component isolated from Lithospermum erythrorhizon Sieb et Zucc, has multiple activities including anti-rheumatic effect, but its specific roles and the precise mechanisms in regulating biological properties of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) are unclear and need further clarification.

PURPOSE

This study explored the therapeutic roles of SKN on rat adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) and cellular inflammation, migration and invasion of TNF-α-induced RA FLS (MH7A cells), and further demonstrated the involved mechanisms.

METHODS

SKN was intraperitoneally given to AIA rats and its therapeutic role was valued. The effects of SKN in vivo and in vitro on the production of pro-inflammatory factors were examined by ELISA and western blot. Wound-healing, transwell and phalloidin staining assay were carried out to evaluate the effects of SKN on TNF-α-induced migration and invasion in RA FLS. The involvement of Wnt/β-catenin pathway was checked by immunohistochemistry or immunofluorescence assay for β-catenin and western blot for pathway-related proteins.

RESULTS

SKN treatment in AIA rats reduced paw swelling, arthritis index and pathological damage of ankle joints, indicating its anti-arthritic effect in vivo. SKN had anti-inflammatory roles in vivo and in vitro, evidenced by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory factors (like IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, MMP-2 and MMP-9) in sera and synovium of AIA rats, and in TNF-α-induced MH7A cells. Gelatin zymography result revealed the suppression of SKN on TNF-α-induced MMP-2 activity in vitro. Moreover, SKN inhibited TNF-α-induced migration, invasion and cytoskeletal reorganization in MH7A cells. Mechanistically, SKN suppressed the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in AIA rat synovium and in TNF-α-induced MH7A cells, indicated by the reduced protein levels of Wnt1, p-GSK-3β (Ser9) and β-catenin, the raised protein level of GSK-3β and the decreased nuclear translocation of β-catenin. Interestingly, the combination of LiCl (Wnt/β-catenin agonist) canceled the therapeutic functions of SKN on cellular inflammation, migration and invasion in TNF-α-induced MH7A cells, whereas XAV939 (Wnt/β-catenin inhibitor) enhanced the therapeutic roles of SKN.

CONCLUSION

SKN showed therapeutic effects on rat AIA and cellular inflammation, migration and invasion of TNF-α-stimulated RA FLS via interrupting Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

The role of resveratrol on rheumatoid arthritis: From bench to bedside

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by symmetrical polyarthritis as its main clinical manifestation. Uncontrolled RA eventually leads to joint deformities and loss of function. Currently, the pathogenesis of RA remains under discussion, and RA treatment is still at the bottleneck stage. Resveratrol has long been regarded as a potential antioxidant drug for RA treatment. Currently, resveratrol is considered to exert therapeutic effects on RA by activating silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) and its downstream pathways. There is notable crosstalk between the SIRT1 and NF-κB pathways, and these pathways, which play an essential role in the development of RA, are unexpectedly linked to the influence of resveratrol. Based on recent studies of almost all the pathways that resveratrol can affect, this review summarizes a regulatory chain of core components that cover multiple tracks. We also list the effects of resveratrol on immune cells and other subtle controls, which can help clinicians understand the known mechanism of resveratrol and better treat patients with RA.

7-Hydroxycoumarin mitigates the severity of collagen-induced arthritis in rats by inhibiting proliferation and inducing apoptosis of fibroblast-like synoviocytes via suppression of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

7-Hydroxycoumarin (7-HC) as a coumarin compound is widely found in Chinese herbs and exhibits diverse biological activities. Promoting cell apoptosis of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) is a meaningful strategy for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Though the protective effect of 7-HC on RA experimental models has been reported, the specific mechanisms, especially the possible relationships of this effect to regulating FLS proliferation and apoptosis, still need clarification.

PURPOSE

This study clarified the therapeutic effects of 7-HC on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in rats and explored the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

In vivo, 7-HC (15, 30 or 60 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally given to CIA rats, and its therapeutic effect and anti-inflammatory activity were evaluated. Ki67 immunohistochemistry, TUNEL assay and synovial proteins detection were conducted. In vitro, after treating with 7-HC (20, 40 or 80 μM) in TNF-α-stimulated RA FLS (MH7A cell line), cell proliferation and apoptosis were examined. The involvement of Wnt/β-catenin pathway was checked in vivo and in vitro.

RESULTS

7-HC attenuated the severity of rat CIA, evidenced by the reduction of paw swelling, arthritis index, joint damage, collagen type II antibody serum level, and IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α production in serum and synovium. Particularly, 7-HC in vivo had anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects on CIA rat synovial cells, indicated by reduced synovial Ki67 expression, raised synovial apoptosis index, decreased Bcl-2 protein level and increased level of Bax and cleaved caspase 3 protein. Further, 7-HC in vitro suppressed proliferation and promoted apoptosis of TNF-α-stimulated MH7A cells by regulating the mitochondrial pathway. Mechanistically, 7-HC treatment inhibited Wnt/β-catenin pathway, suggested by the reduction of pathway-related proteins (e.g. Wnt1, LRP6, p-GSK-3β (Ser9), β-catenin, cyclin D1 and c-Myc), the recovery of GSK-3β activity and the inhibition of β-catenin nuclear translocation. As expected, combined use of lithium chloride, an activator of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, reversed the anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects of 7-HC in vitro.

CONCLUSION

7-HC relieved the severity of rat CIA by inhibiting cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis of rheumatoid FLS via inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

Regulation of Sirt1 on energy metabolism and immune response in rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease. Synovial hyperplasia and persistent inflammation serve as its typical pathological manifestations, which ultimately lead to joint destruction and function loss. Both clinical observations and metabolomics studies have revealed the prevalence of metabolic disorders in RA. In inflammatory immune microenvironments, energy metabolism is profoundly changed. Increasingly evidences suggest that this abnormality is involved in the occurrence and development of RA-related inflammation. Unsurprisingly, many energy metabolism sensors have been confirmed with immunoregulatory properties. As a representative, silent information regulator type 1 (Sirt1) controls many aspects of immune cells, such as cell lifespan, polarization, and secretion by functioning as a transcriptional regulator. Because of the profound clinical implication, researches on Sirt1 in the regulation of energy metabolism and immune functions under RA conditions have gradually gained momentum. This signaling balances glycolysis, lipid metabolism and insulin secretion orchestrating with other metabolism sensors, and consequently affects immune milieu through a so-called metabolism-immune feedback mechanism. This article reviews the involvement of Sirt1 in RA by discussing its impacts on energy metabolism and immune functions, and specially highlights the potential of Sirt1-targeting anti-rheumatic regimens. It also provides a theoretical basis for clarifying the mystery about the high incidence of metabolic complications in RA patients and identifying new anti-rheumatic reagents.

Pharmacological Targeting of Heme Oxygenase-1 in Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common aging-associated disease that clinically manifests as joint pain, mobility limitations, and compromised quality of life. Today, OA treatment is limited to pain management and joint arthroplasty at the later stages of disease progression. OA pathogenesis is predominantly mediated by oxidative damage to joint cartilage extracellular matrix and local cells such as chondrocytes, osteoclasts, osteoblasts, and synovial fibroblasts. Under normal conditions, cells prevent the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) under oxidatively stressful conditions through their adaptive cytoprotective mechanisms. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is an iron-dependent cytoprotective enzyme that functions as the inducible form of HO. HO-1 and its metabolites carbon monoxide and biliverdin contribute towards the maintenance of redox homeostasis. HO-1 expression is primarily regulated at the transcriptional level through transcriptional factor nuclear factor erythroid 2 (NF-E2)-related factor 2 (Nrf2), specificity protein 1 (Sp1), transcriptional repressor BTB-and-CNC homology 1 (Bach1), and epigenetic regulation. Several studies report that HO-1 expression can be regulated using various antioxidative factors and chemical compounds, suggesting therapeutic implications in OA pathogenesis as well as in the wider context of joint disease. Here, we review the protective role of HO-1 in OA with a focus on the regulatory mechanisms that mediate HO-1 activity.

Recent Advances on the Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties of Red Grape Polyphenols: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies

In this review, special emphasis will be placed on red grape polyphenols for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Therefore, their capacity to inhibit major pathways responsible for activation of oxidative systems and expression and release of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines will be discussed. Furthermore, regulation of immune cells by polyphenols will be illustrated with special reference to the activation of T regulatory cells which support a tolerogenic pathway at intestinal level. Additionally, the effects of red grape polyphenols will be analyzed in obesity, as a low-grade systemic inflammation. Also, possible modifications of inflammatory bowel disease biomarkers and clinical course have been studied upon polyphenol administration, either in animal models or in clinical trials. Moreover, the ability of polyphenols to cross the blood-brain barrier has been exploited to investigate their neuroprotective properties. In cancer, polyphenols seem to exert several beneficial effects, even if conflicting data are reported about their influence on T regulatory cells. Finally, the effects of polyphenols have been evaluated in experimental models of allergy and autoimmune diseases. Conclusively, red grape polyphenols are endowed with a great antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential but some issues, such as polyphenol bioavailability, activity of metabolites, and interaction with microbiota, deserve deeper studies.

Biological approaches for hypertrophic scars

Scar formation is usually the pathological consequence of skin trauma. And hypertrophic scars (HSs) frequently occur in people after being injured deeply. HSs are unusually considered as the result of tissue contraction and excessive extracellular matrix component deposition. Myofibroblasts, as the effector cells, mainly differentiated from fibroblasts, play the crucial role in the pathophysiology of HSs. A number of growth factors, inflammatory cytokines involved in the process of HS occurrence. Currently, with in-depth exploration and clinical research of HSs, various creative and effective treatments budded. In here, we summarize the progress in the molecular mechanism of HSs, and review the available biotherapeutic methods for their pathophysiological characteristics. Additionally, we further prospected that the comprehensive therapy may be more suitable for HS treatment.

Investigation of gene expression profiles in a rat adjuvant arthritis model suggests an effective role of triptolide via PI3K-AKT signaling

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common systemic autoimmune disease mainly involving the formation of a synovial pannus, for which no effective treatment is available. In order to study the molecular biological mechanisms underlying the inhibition of RA synovial pannus by triptolide, differentially expressed genes in synovial tissues from an adjuvant arthritis (AA) rat model with and without triptolide treatment were detected in an mRNA microarray profile produced by Agilent Technologies and verified by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis (RT-qPCR). An AA model was established by subcutaneously injecting 0.1 ml Freund's complete adjuvant daily for 18 days and scored by arthritis index assessment. Subsequently, triptolide (0.4 mg/kg) or an equivalent amount of saline was administered daily for 14 days. At the end of the experiment, synovial tissues were obtained from the ankle joints of the rats' hind legs. Total RNA was extracted and purified, and microarray hybridization was used to obtain the gene expression profile for RA with and without triptolide treatment. A total of 48 genes were identified to be differentially expressed between the treatment and model groups, including 32 upregulated and 16 downregulated genes. The possible signaling pathways associated with the effect of triptolide were investigated by Gene Ontology and pathway analysis, revealing that the phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI3K)/AKT signaling pathway has a key role in the proliferation and apoptosis of synovial cells in RA joints. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis was applied to confirm the aberrant expression of key mRNAs and revealed that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) A and C1q and tumor necrosis factor related protein 3 (C1QTNF3) were downregulated in the treatment group compared with the model group (P<0.05). In conclusion, triptolide may exert its effects against RA via the PI3K/AKT pathway and has an inhibitory effect on the expression of VEGFA and C1QTNF3, thus are potentially associated with the occurrence and development of RA.

Resveratrol inhibits Src tyrosine kinase, STAT3, and Wnt signaling pathway in collagen induced arthritis model

Resveratrol, a phytochemical, acts several cellular signaling pathways and has anti-inflammatory potentials. The purpose of this study is to research the therapeutic effect of resveratrol in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model in rats and whether resveratrol affects the activities of signaling pathways those are potent pathogenic actors of rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis was induced by intradermal injection of chicken type II collagen combined with incomplete Freund's adjuvant in Wistar albino rats. One day after the onset of arthritis (day 14), resveratrol (20 mg/kg/day) was given via oral gavage, until day 29. The paws of the rats were obtained for further analysis. Tissue Wnt5a, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), Src tyrosine kinase and signal transducer, and activator of transcription-3 (STAT3) mRNA expressions were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Resveratrol ameliorated the clinical and histopathological (perisynovial inflammation and cartilage-bone destruction) findings of inflammatory arthritis. The tissue mRNA expressions of Wnt5a, MAPK3, Src kinase, and STAT3 were increased in the sham group compared to the control group. Resveratrol supplement decreased their expressions. The present study shows that Src kinase, STAT3, and Wnt signaling pathway are active in the CIA model. Resveratrol inhibits these signaling pathways and ameliorates inflammatory arthritis. © 2018 BioFactors, 45(1):69-74, 2019.

Resveratrol displays anti-inflammatory properties in an ex vivo model of immune mediated inflammatory arthritis

Background

Resveratrol is a natural polyphenol found in berries, roots and wine that is well known to have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties. The anti-inflammatory effect has been reported for both immune cells and connective tissues, but only few studies have investigated effects on immune mediated inflammatory arthritis. None of which have studied this effect when combining resveratrol with methotrexate or adalimumab, two major drugs in the treatment of immune mediated inflammatory arthritis.

We therefore aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of resveratrol alone and in combination with methotrexate or adalimumab in ex vivo models of immune mediated inflammatory arthritis. We furthermore aimed to describe any variations in this effect based on disease activity and cellular composition of the synovial fluid infiltrate.

Methods

Synovial fluid mononuclear cells from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (n = 7) and spondyloarthritis (n = 7) were cultured for either 48 h or 21 days. In both models, synovial fluid mononuclear cells were treated with resveratrol alone or in combination with methotrexate or adalimumab. Monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, matrix metalloproteinase 3 and tartrate resistant acidic phosphatase were measured to quantify inflammation, enzymatic degradation and osteoclast differentiation, respectively.

Results

Resveratrol reduced monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 production by synovial fluid mononuclear cells significantly (p = 0.005) compared to untreated controls. The effect of resveratrol was greatest in cultures from patients with low disease activity, i.e. DAS28CRP ≤ 3.2 (p = 0.022), and in cultures dominated by lymphocytes (p = 0.03). Further, the combination of methotrexate and resveratrol significantly reduced monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 levels compared with methotrexate alone in cultures from patients with low disease activity (p = 0.016), and in cultures with high lymphocyte count (p = 0.011). Resveratrol did not significantly affect matrix metalloproteinase 3 and tartrate resistant acidic phosphatase production.

Conclusion

Resveratrol has anti-inflammatory properties in our ex vivo model of immune mediated inflammatory arthritis. Results show an additive effect of resveratrol, when combined with methotrexate in samples dominated by lymphocytes and samples from patients with low disease activity. This suggests further investigations in vitro and whether this effect may also be present in a clinical setting.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s41927-018-0036-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Resveratrol Role in Autoimmune Disease-A Mini-Review

Autoimmune diseases are still considered to be pressing concerns due the fact that they are leaders in death and disability causes worldwide. Resveratrol is a polyphenol derived from a variety of foods and beverages, including red grapes and red wine. Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiaging properties of resveratrol have been reported, and in some animal and human studies this compound reduced and ameliorated the progression of autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease, and type 1 diabetes mellitus. Thus, this review aims to summarize and critically analyze the role of resveratrol in the modulation of several organ-specific or systemic autoimmune diseases.

Resveratrol induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in human eosinophils from asthmatic individuals

Eosinophils exert a number of inflammatory effects through the degranulation and release of intracellular mediators, and are considered to be key effector cells in allergic disorders, including asthma. In order to investigate the regulatory effects of the natural polyphenol, resveratrol, on eosinophils derived from asthmatic individuals, the cell counting Kit‑8 assay and flow cytometry analysis were used to determine cell proliferation and cell cycle progression in these cells, respectively. Cellular apoptosis was detected using annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide double‑staining. The protein expression levels of p53, p21, cyclin‑dependent kinase 2 (CDK2), cyclin A, cyclin E, Bim, B‑cell lymphoma (Bcl)‑2 and Bcl‑2‑associated X protein (Bax) were measured by western blot analysis following resveratrol treatment. The results indicated that resveratrol effectively suppressed the proliferation of eosinophils from asthmatic patients in a concentration‑ and time‑dependent manner. In addition, resveratrol was observed to arrest cell cycle progression in G1/S phase by increasing the protein expression levels of p53 and p21, and concurrently reducing the protein expression levels of CDK2, cyclin A and cyclin E. Furthermore, resveratrol treatment significantly induced apoptosis in eosinophils, likely through the upregulation of Bim and Bax protein expression levels and the downregulation of Bcl‑2 protein expression. These findings suggested that resveratrol may be a potential agent for the treatment of asthma by decreasing the number of eosinophils.

The evidence for natural therapeutics as potential anti-scarring agents in burn-related scarring

Though survival rate following severe thermal injuries has improved, the incidence and treatment of scarring have not improved at the same speed. This review discusses the formation of scars and in particular the formation of hypertrophic scars. Further, though there is as yet no gold standard treatment for the prevention or treatment of scarring, a brief overview is included. A number of natural therapeutics have shown beneficial effects both in vivo and in vitro with the potential of becoming clinical therapeutics in the future. These natural therapeutics include both plant-based products such as resveratrol, quercetin and epigallocatechin gallate as examples and includes the non-plant-based therapeutic honey. The review also includes potential mechanism of action for the therapeutics, any recorded adverse events and current administration of the therapeutics used. This review discusses a number of potential 'treatments' that may reduce or even prevent scarring particularly hypertrophic scarring, which is associated with thermal injuries without compromising wound repair.

An update on dietary phenolic compounds in the prevention and management of rheumatoid arthritis

Certain nutritional components influence the cellular metabolism and interfere in the pathological inflammatory process, so that they may act as a coadjuvant in the treatment of many chronic inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

The treatment of rheumatoid arthritis using Chinese medicinal plants: From pharmacology to potential molecular mechanisms

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common worldwide public health problem. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) achieved some results to some extent in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Especially in China, TCM formulas are used in the clinic because of their advantages. Some of these TCM formulas have been used for thousands of years in ancient China, they pays much attention to strengthening healthy qi, cleaning heat, and wet, activating blood, etc. So TCM in anti-RA drug is considered as a simple and effective method. In addition, TCM are also traditionally used as extracts and many Chinese herbs which are considered to be effective for RA. With the advancement of technologies and research methods, researchers have devoted themselves to exploring new therapeutic materials from troves of TCM. The components of TCM are identified and purified, which include alkaloids, coumarins, flavonoids, saponins and so on. However, little or no review works are found in the research literature on the anti-RA drugs from TCM. The present review aims to provide systematically reorganized information on the ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry and pharmacology of TCM used traditionally against RA. The information recorded in this review will provide new directions for researchers in the future.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Relevant scientific literatures were collected from Chinese traditional books and Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Several important pharmacology data, clinical observations, animal experiments on effects of anti-RA drugs from TCM and their mechanisms were extracted from a library and electric search (Pubmed, PubChem Compound, Science Direct, Spring Link, Elsevier, Web of Science, CNKI, Wan Fang, Bai du, The Plant List, etc.). We collected information published between 2002 and 2015 on Chinese medicine in the treatment of RA. Information was also acquired from local classic herbal literature, conference papers, government reports, and PhD and MSc dissertations.

RESULTS

This review mainly introduces the current research on anti-RA TCM formulas, extracts and compounds from TCM, pharmacological data and potential mechanisms (inhibit osteoclast proliferation, suppress fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) growth, decrease the expression of inflammatory cytokines, blocking signal pathways, etc.).

CONCLUSIONS

TCM, as a multi-component and multi-target approach, which is a perfect match with the holistic concept of systems biology, is applicable in the treatment of RA. The synergistic connections of Chinese herbs and mechanisms of related active compounds on RA increase the trust for TCM. TCM as alternative remedies for RA not only has an important position in the world market, but also has an irreplaceable role in the treatment of RA in future.

Epigenetic-based immune intervention for rheumatic diseases

Rheumatic disease is a large spectrum of heterogeneous conditions affecting the loco-motor system including joints, muscles, connective tissues, and soft tissues around the joints and bones. Many rheumatic diseases have an element of autoimmunity including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Aberrant epigenetic regulation of gene expression is emerging as a major factor within rheumatic disease, and indicates potential new therapeutic avenues of approach to these debilitating conditions. Understanding the precise role of epigenetics in the development and treatment of rheumatic diseases particularly those which have an associated autoimmune element may be important for the long-term management of such conditions.