Methotrexate conjugated gold nanoparticles improve rheumatoid vascular dysfunction in rat adjuvant-induced arthritis: gold revival

Endothelial vasomotor dysfunction and accelerated atherosclerosis encompass the features of rheumatoid vascular dysfunction (RVD), increasing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality among rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Methotrexate, among DMARDs, effectively reduces cardiovascular events, but its non-selectivity together with its pharmacokinetic variability often limit drug adherence and contribute to its potential toxicity. Thus, methotrexate was conjugated to gold nanoparticles (MTX/AuNPs) and its effect on RVD in rats' adjuvant-induced arthritis was evaluated. A comparative study between MTX/AuNPs, free MTX, and AuNPs treatments on joint inflammation, vascular reactivity and architecture, smooth muscle phenotype, systemic inflammation, and atherogenic profile was done. Since MTX/AuNPs effect was superior, it appears that conjugation of MTX to AuNPs demonstrated a synergistic action. MTX immunomodulatory action combined with AuNPs anti-atherogenic potential yielded prompt control of whole features of RVD. These findings highlight the usefulness of nanoparticles-targeted drug-delivery system in refining rheumatoid-induced vascular dysfunction treatment and reviving gold use in RA.

Novel anti-arthritic mechanisms of trans-cinnamaldehyde against complete Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis in mice: involvement of NF-кB/TNF-α and IL-6/IL-23/ IL-17 pathways in the immuno-inflammatory responses

Trans-cinnamaldehyde (TCA), a natural cinnamaldehyde derivative of cinnamon oil, is known for anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-diabetic, and anti-cancer activities. However, no study has examined the protective mechanisms of TCA on complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritis. Chronic arthritis was induced in mice by triple dose injection of 0.1 ml CFA in the first two days, then a treatment with TCA (100 mg/kg, i.p.) and the anti-arthritic drug; methotrexate (MTX, 0.75 mg/kg, i.p., 3 times/week) started from day 10 after CFA and continued till day 35.TCA ameliorated the CFA-induced arthritis features, indicated by the decrease in serum rheumatoid factor, paw swelling, arthritis index and the arthritis changes in limb histology. Additionally, TCA treatment showed anti-inflammatory actions through downregulation of TNF-α, NF-κB and COX-2 expressions and marked reduction in IL-1β, IL-6, IL-23 and IL-17 levels in inflamed paw tissues.Consequently, TCA can decrease arthritis progression and inhibit the immune/inflammatory responses initiated by TNF-α/IL-1β/IL-6/IL-23/IL-17 signals, via NF-κB modulation, almost to the same extent accomplished by MTX. Therefore, TCA could be a promising anti-arthritic drug.

Is Trikatu; an ayurvedic formulation effective for the management of flu-like illness? A narrative review

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this review is to summarise and appraise the findings of various studies on Trikatu.

CONTENT

COVID-19 or SARS-CoV-2 disease a pandemic principally contaminating the respiratory tract and bringing about Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome is liable for significant mortality around the world. Far-fetched, there is no exact treatment accessible till today. Consequently, it is critical to discover the alternative methodology which can decrease the weight of illness. Trikatu powder recommended by authorities for the management of mild cases of COVID-19 is a conventional ayurvedic formulation containing three spices; Zingiber officinale, Piper nigrum, and Piper longum. A comprehensive search of the articles published since inception to 01/08/2020 on Trikatu was carried out. Major electronic medical databases such as Pub Med/MEDLINE and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were used for the literature search.

SUMMARY

A total of 21 records were identified by electronic searches between since inception to 01/08/2020 of which 13 records were included for review. The reviewed articles highlight Trikatu as a safe, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulatory property by suppression of the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-a, IL-1b, IL-6, IL-17, alteration in levels of circulating immune complexes, anti-dyslipidaemia agent by reduced triglycerides and LDL cholesterol and increased HDL cholesterol, enhancing bio-availability of co-drug by reducing the elimination half-life (t1/2β) and zero time intercept of the elimination phase.

OUTLOOK

The findings of this review seem to show Trikatu as a potential anti-inflammatory, anti-dyslipidaemia, and immune-modulatory ayurvedic formulation can be used for combating flu like illnesses and also in the management of COVID-19 as an adjuvant. However, rigorous double blind randomized controlled trials with larger sample size are warranted for better validation in such clinical conditions.

HIGHLIGHTS

– COVID-19 has affected the lives of millions worldwide and unfortunately no precise treatment available till today. – Trikatu an ayurvedic formulation suggested by various authorities in India. – Trikatu found to be a potential anti-inflammatory; anti-dyslipidaemia and immune-modulatory drug can be used for combating flu like illnesses.

Literature data based systems pharmacology uncovers the essence of "body fire" in traditional Chinese medicine: A case by Huang-Lian-Jie-Du-Tang

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY RELEVANCE

Like other concepts in traditional Chinese medical theory, "body fire", a concept that has already been well-known and widely used in describing the symptoms and the treatment of corresponding diseases, is, however, still under suspicions in the western medicine due to its vague essence and symptoms. Presently, Huang-Lian-Jie-Du-Tang (HLJDT), a typical popular TCM formula in cleansing the "body fire", is studied as a probe by a systems pharmacology method we produced, with purpose to explore the mechanisms of the potion, as well as to interpret the essence of "body fire" disease.

METHODS

The systematic process includes a pharmacokinetics prescreening, pharmacodynamics targets and pathways identification, and candidate-target-pathway network construction.

RESULTS

Through this method, 145 chemicals and 91 proteins are identified as active ingredients and "body fire"-related targets. And we find that the mechanism of HLJDT prescription for cleansing "body fire" lies in three, i.e., anti-OS/NS, anti-inflammation and anti-infection function modules, which are mainly executed through four, i.e., PI3K-AKT, MAPK, VEGF as well as Calcium signaling pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

Accordingly, the essence of "body fire" is a gradual process which is an integration of OS/NS, inflammation and infection. This work, we hope, may not only offer a systemic methodology for exploring and elucidating TCM concepts from a multi-scale perspective, but also provide an efficient way for herbal drug discovery.

Antiarthritic Activity of Qi-Wu Rheumatism Granule (a Chinese Herbal Compound) on Complete Freund's Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis in Rats

Objective

The aim was to study the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of QWRG on adjuvant-induced RA in rats.

Methods

The RA rat models were manipulated and subsequently divided into five experimental groups: AIA, DEX, and QWRG groups. The paw volume, body weight, arthritic score, and mechanical nociceptive threshold were assessed. The serum levels of the RF, MDA, ALP, AST, ALT, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-16, and TNF-α were measured. The proliferative capacity of lymphocytes was evaluated, and the synovial tissue was histopathologically examined.

Results

The paw swelling and arthritic scores were relieved, and the variation of relative body weight and mechanical nociceptive threshold had improved in the AIA rats. The serum levels of RF, MDA, ALP, AST, and ALT were alleviated, and the inflammation and cartilage damage were effectively attenuated in the AIA rats. Simultaneously, the inflammation of the synovial cavity was alleviated, and the grading of synovitis reduced by inhibiting the expressions of IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-16 in the serum and synovium tissue.

Conclusion

Our results suggested that the antiarthritic properties of QWRG may be due to immunodepression and downregulation of inflammatory cytokines, which may be a potential candidate for the treatment of RA.