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Khanfar E, Olasz K, Gál S, Gajdócsi E, Kajtár B, Kiss T, Balogh P, Berki T, Boldizsár F. Splenectomy at early stage of autoimmune arthritis delayed inflammatory response and reduced joint deterioration in mice. Clin Exp Immunol 2024; 216:240-251. [PMID: 38363980 PMCID: PMC11097914 DOI: 10.1093/cei/uxae013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The spleen plays a role in innate and adaptive immunity, and autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We investigated the effect of splenectomy in early and moderate stages of autoimmune arthritis in a mouse model. To induce recombinant human G1-induced arthritis (GIA), BALB/c mice were immunized intraperitoneally three times in 4-week intervals with the rhG1 antigen. Mice were splenectomized on day 7 (SPE1) or day 35 (SPE2) after the initiation of immunization; tested for clinical severity, joint radiological and histological changes, serum levels of inflammatory cytokines and autoantibodies, and rhG1-specific immune responses; and compared to those in control mice with spleen left intact. Circulating Tregs and T-helper subset ratios in the spleen and inguinal lymph nodes (LNs) were also examined using flow cytometry. The onset of severe inflammatory response was significantly delayed in SPE1 and SPE2 groups compared to control mice at early stages of GIA, which was associated with increased circulating Tregs. After the third immunization, as disease progressed, the severity scores were robustly increased in all mice. Nevertheless, in splenectomized mice, we observed reduced joint deterioration and cartilage damage, more Th2 cells in LNs, and reduced levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and autoantibodies in their sera. Mesenteric LN cells of splenectomized mice exhibited weaker response in vitro against the rhG1 antigen compared to control mice spleen. In conclusion, splenectomy in the early stages of GIA delayed the inflammatory response, suggesting a protective effect against the development and progression of severe destructive arthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esam Khanfar
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, Medical School, University of Pecs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Katalin Olasz
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, Medical School, University of Pecs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Szonja Gál
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, Medical School, University of Pecs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Erzsébet Gajdócsi
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, Medical School, University of Pecs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Béla Kajtár
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, University of Pecs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Tamás Kiss
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School, University of Pecs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Péter Balogh
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, Medical School, University of Pecs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Timea Berki
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, Medical School, University of Pecs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Ferenc Boldizsár
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, Medical School, University of Pecs, Pécs, Hungary
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Olasz K, Boldizsar F. Recombinant Human Proteoglycan Aggrecan-G1 Domain-induced Arthritis (GIA) Mouse Model. Curr Protoc 2024; 4:e1053. [PMID: 38752927 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.1053] [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] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
The recombinant human proteoglycan aggrecan-G1 domain (rhG1)-induced arthritis (GIA) mouse model is a complex model of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In GIA, autoimmune arthritis is induced by repeated intraperitoneal immunization of genetically susceptible BALB/c mice with the rhG1 antigen emulsified in the adjuvant dimethyldioctadecylammonium (DDA). This article describes the steps for producing and purifying the rhG1 antigen, the immunization protocol, methods for following the clinical picture of arthritis, and the evaluation of relevant laboratory parameters. In this model, the autoimmune arthritis develops stepwise, similar to RA: First is the preclinical stage (after the first immunization, days 0-20) with no sign of inflammation but detectable T and B cell activation; next, the stage of early arthritis (after the second immunization, days 21-41), where the first definitive signs of arthritis appear together with autoantibody production; and then the severe late-stage arthritis (after the third immunization, after day 42), which presents with massive inflammation of the limbs, leading to cartilage and bone destruction and finally ankylosis. The protocols described here provide sufficient information for investigators to use the GIA model to study different aspects of autoimmune arthritis. © 2024 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol: Induction of recombinant human proteoglycan aggrecan-G1 domain (rhG1)-induced arthritis (GIA) Support Protocol 1: Production of rhG1-Xa-mFc2a fusion protein with CHOK1 mammalian expression system Support Protocol 2: Purification of the rhG1-Xa-mFc2a fusion protein by affinity chromatography Support Protocol 3: Preparation of DDA adjuvant Support Protocol 4: Clinical assessment of arthritis Support Protocol 5: Measurement of serum antibody levels and cytokines Support Protocol 6: Measurement of rhG1-induced proliferation and cytokine production in spleen cell culture Support Protocol 7: Histological assessment of arthritic limbs Support Protocol 8: Evaluation of arthritis with micro-computed tomography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katalin Olasz
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, University of Pécs, Medical School, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Ferenc Boldizsar
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, University of Pécs, Medical School, Pécs, Hungary
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Sharma A, Goel A, Lin Z. Analysis of anti-rheumatic activity of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis via in vivo and pharmacovigilance approaches. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1307799. [PMID: 38116080 PMCID: PMC10728290 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1307799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an immune-mediated disease associated with chronic inflammation of numerous joints. Nyctanthes arbor-tristis (NAT) is a traditional remedy for RA, a chronic inflammatory disorder. Aim: The current project aims to demonstrate the role of the NAT extracts in sub-acute toxicity, pharmacovigilance, and anti-rheumatic biomarkers. Method: Hydroethanolic extract (1:1) of plant leaves was prepared by using the reflux method. The safety of the dose was evaluated in Sprague-Dawley rats, and the anti-inflammatory effects of NAT on RA symptoms, including paw volumes, body weight, arthritic index, withdrawal latency, hematology and serological test, radiology, and histopathology, were evaluated in Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA)-induced arthritis Sprague-Dawley rat models. The inflammatory (TNF-α and COX-2) and anti-inflammatory markers (IL-10) were analyzed in control and experimental groups. Result: The study showed that 500 mg/kg BW NAT leaf extract was found to be least toxic without showing any subacute toxicity symptoms. The pharmacovigilance study highlighted the potential side effects of NAT, such as drowsiness, sedation, and lethargy, at high dosages. Treatment with the plant extract mitigated paw edema, restored the immune organ and body weights, and ameliorated the level of blood parameters such as hemoglobin, red blood cells, platelets, white blood cells, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), C-reactive proteins, and rheumatoid factor. Treatment with the plant extracts also reduced the level of cyclooxygenase 2 and TNF-α and increased the level of IL-10 in the serum of arthritic rats dose-dependently. Radiographic analysis of the ankle joint showed an improvement in the hind legs. Histological examination of the ankle joints revealed that the plant extract treatment decreased pannus formation, inflammation, and synovial hyperplasia in arthritic animals. Conclusion: NAT 500 mg/kg could serve as a promising therapeutic option for the treatment of inflammatory arthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayushi Sharma
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Applied Sciences and Humanities, GLA University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Anjana Goel
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Applied Sciences and Humanities, GLA University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Zhijian Lin
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
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Chaudhary R, Prasad A, Agarwal V, Rehman M, Kumar A, Kaushik AS, Srivastava S, Srivastava S, Mishra V. Chronic stress predisposes to the aggravation of inflammation in autoimmune diseases with focus on rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 125:111046. [PMID: 37879231 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.111046] [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: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
The global incidence of autoimmune diseases is on the rise, and many healthcare professionals believe that chronic stress plays a prominent role in both the aggravation and remission of these conditions. It is believed that prolonged exposure to stress is associated with neuroimmune axis malfunction, which eventually dysregulates multiple immunological factors as well as deregulates autoimmune responses that play a central role in various autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. Herein, we performed validation of an 8-week long rat model of chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) which consisted of exposing groups of rats to random stressors daily for 8 weeks. Additionally, we developed a novel rat model combining 8-week long random stressor-induced CUS with CIA-triggered arthritis and IMQ-triggered psoriasis and have successfully used both these models to assess the role of chronic stress in the aggravation of arthritis and psoriasis, respectively. Notably, the 8-week CUS protocol extensively aggravated and prolonged both arthritis and psoriasis condition in the rat model by upregulating the release of different pro-inflammatory cytokines, dysregulation of immune cell responses and oxidative stress system, which were all related to severe inflammation. Further, CUS aggravated macroscopic features and the increase in destruction of joint tissue and epidermal thickness induced by CIA and IMQ, respectively, in rats. In conclusion, this study suggests that exposure to an 8-week long CUS paradigm aggravates the distinctive characteristics of rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis in rats via amplifying the inflammatory circuits and immune cell responses linked to these autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rishabh Chaudhary
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Vidya Vihar, Raebareli Road, Lucknow 226025, U.P., India
| | - Ajay Prasad
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Vidya Vihar, Raebareli Road, Lucknow 226025, U.P., India
| | - Vipul Agarwal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Vidya Vihar, Raebareli Road, Lucknow 226025, U.P., India
| | - Mujeeba Rehman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Vidya Vihar, Raebareli Road, Lucknow 226025, U.P., India
| | - Anand Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Vidya Vihar, Raebareli Road, Lucknow 226025, U.P., India
| | - Arjun Singh Kaushik
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Vidya Vihar, Raebareli Road, Lucknow 226025, U.P., India
| | - Siddhi Srivastava
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Vidya Vihar, Raebareli Road, Lucknow 226025, U.P., India
| | - Sukriti Srivastava
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Vidya Vihar, Raebareli Road, Lucknow 226025, U.P., India
| | - Vikas Mishra
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Vidya Vihar, Raebareli Road, Lucknow 226025, U.P., India.
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Aslam B, Hussain A, Faisal MN, Sindhu ZUD, Khan RU, Alhidary IA, Naz S, Tufarelli V. Curcumin Co-Encapsulation Potentiates Anti-Arthritic Efficacy of Meloxicam Biodegradable Nanoparticles in Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis Animal Model. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2662. [PMID: 37893036 PMCID: PMC10604063 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11102662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the anti-arthritic activity of curcumin and meloxicam co-loaded PLGA nanoparticles in adjuvant-induced arthritic rats. PLGA nanoparticles encapsulating curcumin (nCur) and meloxicam (nMlx) alone and in combination (nCur/Mlx) were used to characterize zeta size and potential, polydispersity index, encapsulation efficiency (%), compound-polymer interactions (FT-IR analysis), and surface morphology (SEM imaging). In vivo, Complete Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritic rats were intraperitoneally (i.p.) administered with curcumin, meloxicam, curcumin plus meloxicam, nCur, nMlx, and nCur/Mlx for 28 consecutive days. Results showed that nCur, nMlx, and nCur/Mlx significantly (p ≤ 0.05) reduced paw swelling and arthritic score, restored body weight and the immune organ index (thymus and spleen), as well as attenuated serum inflammatory markers (RF, CRP, and PGE2) and oxidative stress parameters (MDA, SOD, and CAT) in adjuvant-induced arthritic rats compared to free compounds. In addition, mono- and dual-compound-loaded nanoparticles significantly (p ≤ 0.05) down-regulated pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6), up-regulated anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-10, and IFN-γ), and modulated OPG and RANKL expressions in paw tissue. The aforementioned results were further confirmed through radiological and histopathological examinations. Furthermore, the anti-arthritic effect of nCur/Mlx was notably (p ≤ 0.05) enhanced compared to nCur or nMlx alone. In conclusion, the co-nanoencapsulation of curcumin could potentiate the anti-arthritic activity of meloxicam and could provide a novel therapeutic approach for the formulation of nanocarrier pharmaceutical products for the management of arthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bilal Aslam
- Institute of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38040, Pakistan; (A.H.); (M.N.F.)
| | - Asif Hussain
- Institute of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38040, Pakistan; (A.H.); (M.N.F.)
- Department of Pharmacy, Riphah International University, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Naeem Faisal
- Institute of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38040, Pakistan; (A.H.); (M.N.F.)
| | - Zia-ud-Din Sindhu
- Department of Parasitology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38040, Pakistan;
| | - Rifat Ullah Khan
- College of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Agriculture, Peshawar 25130, Pakistan
| | - Ibrahim A. Alhidary
- Department of Animal Production, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11421, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Shabana Naz
- Department of Zoology, Government College University, Faisalabad 54000, Pakistan;
| | - Vincenzo Tufarelli
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Jonian Area (DiMePRe-J), Section of Veterinary Science and Animal Production, University of Bari ‘Aldo Moro’, s.p. Casamassima km 3, 70010 Valenzano, Italy;
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Lin YR, Zheng FT, Xiong BJ, Chen ZH, Chen ST, Fang CN, Yu CX, Yang J. Koumine alleviates rheumatoid arthritis by regulating macrophage polarization. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 311:116474. [PMID: 37031823 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The imbalance between M1-and M2-polarized macrophages is one of the major pathophysiological changes in RA. Therefore, targeted macrophage polarization may be an effective therapy for RA. Koumine, an alkaloid monomer with the highest content and low toxicity in Gelsemium elegans Benth., has the effect of treating RA by playing an immunomodulatory role by influencing various immune cells. However, whether koumine affects macrophage polarization in RA and the associated molecular mechanisms remain unknown. AIM OF THE STUDY To investigate the mechanism of the anti-RA effect of koumine on macrophage polarization. MATERIALS AND METHODS The effect of koumine on macrophage polarization was investigated in vivo and in vitro. We first explored the effects of koumine on AIA rats and detected the levels of M1/M2 macrophage polarization markers in the spleen by western blotting. Then, we explored the regulatory effect of koumine on M1/M2 macrophage polarization and the effect on the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in vitro. Finally, we verified the effects of koumine on macrophage polarization in CIA mice. RESULTS We found that koumine alleviated symptoms, including relieving pain, reducing joint redness and swelling in AIA rats and restoring the M1/M2 macrophage balance in vivo. Interestingly, koumine had an inhibitory effect on both M1 and M2 macrophage polarization in vitro, but it had a stronger inhibitory effect on M1 macrophage. In a mixed polarization experiment, koumine mainly inhibited M1 macrophage polarization and had an inhibitory effect on the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Finally, we found that koumine had therapeutic effects on CIA mice, regulated macrophage polarization and inhibited the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS Our results reveal that koumine regulates macrophage polarization through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. This may be one of the important mechanisms of its anti-RA effect, which provides a theoretical and scientific basis for the possible clinical application of koumine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Rong Lin
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China.
| | - Feng-Ting Zheng
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China.
| | - Bo-Jun Xiong
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China.
| | - Ze-Hong Chen
- Laboratory of Medical Function, Basic Medical Experimental Teaching Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China.
| | - Shi-Ting Chen
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China.
| | - Chao-Nan Fang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China.
| | - Chang-Xi Yu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Drug Target Discovery and Structural and Functional Research, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China.
| | - Jian Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China.
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Gál S, Gajdócsi E, Khanfar E, Olasz K, Simon D, Balogh P, Berki T, Németh P, Boldizsár F. Natural and Pathological Autoantibodies Show Age-Related Changes in a Spontaneous Autoimmune Mouse (NZB) Model. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:9809. [PMID: 37372957 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24129809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The natural autoantibody (natAAb) network is thought to play a role in immune regulation. These IgM antibodies react with evolutionary conserved antigens; however, they do not lead to pathological tissue destruction as opposed to pathological autoantibodies (pathAAb). The exact relation between the natAAbs and pathAAbs is still not completely understood; therefore, in the present study, we set out to measure nat- and pathAAb levels against three conserved antigens in a spontaneous autoimmune disease model: the NZB mouse strain which develops autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) from six months of age. There was an age dependent increase in the natAAb levels in the serum against Hsp60, Hsp70, and the mitochondrial citrate synthase until 6-9 months of age, followed by a gradual decrease. The pathological autoantibodies appeared after six months of age, which corresponded with the appearance of the autoimmune disease. The changes in nat/pathAAb levels were coupled with decreasing B1- and increasing plasma cell and memory B cell percentages. Based on this, we propose that there is a switch from natAAbs towards pathAAbs in aged NZB mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Szonja Gál
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, Medical School, University of Pecs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Erzsébet Gajdócsi
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, Medical School, University of Pecs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Esam Khanfar
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, Medical School, University of Pecs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Katalin Olasz
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, Medical School, University of Pecs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Diána Simon
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, Medical School, University of Pecs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Péter Balogh
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, Medical School, University of Pecs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
- Lymphoid Organogenesis Research Group, Szentagothai Research Center, University of Pecs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Tímea Berki
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, Medical School, University of Pecs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Péter Németh
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, Medical School, University of Pecs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Ferenc Boldizsár
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, Medical School, University of Pecs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
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