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Dar E, Mobashar A, Shabbir A, Mushtaq MN, Anjum I, Z. Gaafar AR, Nafidi HA, Bourhia M. Mechanistic Evaluation of Antiarthritic Effects of Citronellol in CFA-Induced Arthritic Rats. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:44955-44963. [PMID: 38046326 PMCID: PMC10688163 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c06374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by systemic inflammation, joint tissue damage, pain, and synovitis. It leads to deformity of joints, disability, and even premature death. Markers of inflammation are highly expressed in synovium fluid and serum of arthritic patients and play an important role in the pathophysiology of RA. These transcription factors promote the fabrication of type I interferons and inflammatory cytokines. In RA, degradation of synovial cartilage and bone results from stimulation of proinflammatory cytokines. Citronellol (Ct), a monoterpene alcohol, is found in citrus fruits and essential oils of many aromatic plants. It possesses numerous pharmacological properties such as antioxidant activity and potential antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects. Keeping in view the significant anti-inflammatory role of Ct, a trial of 28 days was conducted. Ct was administered orally at three different doses (25, 50, and 100) mg/kg in Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritic rats, and the results were compared with piroxicam, chosen as the standard drug. The antiarthritic activity of the compound was evaluated through measurements of arthritic scoring and plethysmometry before and after treatment. The blood biochemical and hematological parameters and histopathological analyses were performed. Additionally, qPCR was conducted to analyze the mRNA expression levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, NF-κB, MMP3, IL-6, and IL-4 in the blood. ELISA was performed to evaluate the levels of PGE2. The results demonstrated that Ct showed significant results at all doses, but the highest dose proved to be most significant in terms of decreasing arthritic scoring and paw edema, indicating the antiarthritic potential of Ct. Furthermore, the compound was found to downregulate all the proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, NF-κB, MMP3, and IL-6) and upregulate the anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-4). The levels of PGE2 were also reduced which further supported the antiarthritic effects of Ct and validated it as a potential antiarthritic candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eshwa Dar
- Department
of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, The
University of Lahore, Lahore 55150, Pakistan
| | - Aisha Mobashar
- Department
of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, The
University of Lahore, Lahore 55150, Pakistan
| | - Arham Shabbir
- Department
of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical
and Allied Health Sciences, Lahore College
for Women University, Jail Road, 54000 Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Naveed Mushtaq
- Department
of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, The
University of Lahore, Lahore 55150, Pakistan
| | - Irfan Anjum
- Department
of Basic Medical Sciences, Shifa College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
| | - Abdel-Rhman Z. Gaafar
- Department
of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 11451, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hiba-Allah Nafidi
- Department
of Food Science, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Laval University, 2325, Quebec City, Quebec G1 V 0A6, Canada
| | - Mohammed Bourhia
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ibn Zohr University, Laayoune 70000, Morocco
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Sattar S, Shabbir A, Shahzad M, Akhtar T, Anjum SM, Bourhia M, Nafidi HA, Bin Jardan YA, Dauelbait M, Mobashar A. Evaluation of anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory potential of Lawsone (2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone) using pre-clinical rodent model of rheumatoid arthritis. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1279215. [PMID: 37900171 PMCID: PMC10603269 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1279215] [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: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Lawsone (2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone) is naturally present in Lawsonia Inermis and flowers of Eicchornia crassipes. This study assessed the anti-arthritic potential of Lawsone, using FCA-induced Sprague-Dawley rats. Methods: Arthritic progress was analyzed through a macroscopic scoring scale, measurement of paw edema, and histopathological changes. Effects of Lawsone on mRNA expression levels of inflammatory markers were examined using the reverse transcription PCR technique. ELISA technique was used to evaluate the PGE2 levels. Moreover, levels of biochemical and hematological parameters were also analyzed. Results: The research elucidated that Lawsone showed an inhibitory potential towards arthritic progress and ameliorated the paw edema. The histopathological analysis also validated the inhibition in arthritic development. Treatment with Lawosne reduced the expression levels of inflammatory markers in rats i.e., VEGF, TNF-α, MMP-2, MMP-3, NF-κB, IL-1β, and IL-6. PGE2 levels (all p < 0.001) were also found reduced in treatment groups. Lab investigations showed improved results of hematological and hepatic parameters in the treated groups as compared to the positive control. This study found no hepatotoxic or nephrotoxic effects of Lawsone in the test doses. Conclusion: Lawsone possesses an anti-arthritic property which could be ascribed to its immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Sattar
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Lahore, Lahore Campus, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Arham Shabbir
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Lahore, Lahore Campus, Lahore, Pakistan
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical and Allied Health Sciences, Lahore College for Women University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Shahzad
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Tasleem Akhtar
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Syed Muneeb Anjum
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Mohammed Bourhia
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ibn Zohr University, Laayoune, Morocco
| | - Hiba-Allah Nafidi
- Department of Food Science, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Laval University, Quebec, QC, Canada
| | - Yousef A. Bin Jardan
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Musaab Dauelbait
- Department of Scientific Translation, Faculty of Translation, University of Bahri, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Aisha Mobashar
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Lahore, Lahore Campus, Lahore, Pakistan
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Nawaz S, Irfan HM, Alamgeer, Arshad L, Jahan S. Attenuation of CFA-induced chronic inflammation by a bicyclic monoterpene fenchone targeting inducible nitric oxide, prostaglandins, C-reactive protein and urea. Inflammopharmacology 2023; 31:2479-2491. [PMID: 37689616 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-023-01333-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
Fenchone (a bicyclic monoterpene) is present in the essential oils of plant species like Foeniculum vulgare and Peumus boldus and is used to treat GIT disorders. Research reports have indicated its strong anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-nociceptive properties. The present study was designed to investigate fenchone's anti-arthritic effects in a rat model of chronic joint inflammation (Complete Freud's Adjuvant-mediated inflammation [CFA]). Molecular docking analysis revealed a high binding interaction of fenchone with inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), Interleukin-17, Prostaglandin E Receptor EP4, and Cycloxygenase-2 (COX-2), indicating its anti-inflammatory efficacy using computational tests. Fenchone treatment at 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and 400 mg/kg significantly enhanced the tail-flick latency when compared with the solvent-treated group. Correspondingly, the raised mRNA values of iNOS, IL-17, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and COX-2 in solvent-treated group were significantly reduced following treatment with fenchone. Moreover, fenchone significantly lowered spleen and thymus indices, Nitric oxide (NO) and PGE2 values as compared to solvent-treated group. Hence, the results of the present study indicated that fenchone has a potent anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting pro-inflammatory markers and thus may have therapeutic potential for chronic joint inflammation as well as chronic inflammatory disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoaib Nawaz
- College of Pharmacy, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, 40100, Pakistan
- Doctor Institute of Health Sciences, Sargodha, Punjab, Pakistan
| | | | - Alamgeer
- Department of Pharmacology, Punjab University College of Pharmacy, University of the Punjab, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan
| | - Laiba Arshad
- Department of Pharmacy, Forman Christian College (A Chartered University), Ferozpur Road, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Shah Jahan
- Department of Immunology, University of Health Sciences, Lahore, 54600, Pakistan
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Sattar S, Shabbir A, Shahzad M, Akhtar T, Ahmad A, Alnasser SM, Riaz B, Karimullah S, Ahmad A. Eichhornia crassipes Ameliorated Rheumatoid Arthritis by Modulating Inflammatory Cytokines and Metalloproteinase Enzymes in a Rat Model. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:1594. [PMID: 37763713 PMCID: PMC10534300 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59091594] [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: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: This study was planned to investigate the anti-arthritic property of flowers of E. crassipes in a Sprague-Dawley rat model by administering Freund's Complete Adjuvant (FCA). Materials and Methods: Arthritis was induced at day 0 in all rats except negative controls, while arthritic progress and paw edema were analyzed on specific days (8th, 13th, 18th, and 23rd) via the macroscopic arthritic scale and a digital Vernier caliper, respectively. Histopathological parameters were examined using a Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining method. Blood samples were withdrawn from rats to investigate the effects of the E. crassipes flower on the mRNA expression values of inflammatory markers, via a reverse transcription PCR technique. Serum samples were used to determine prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Values of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatinine, and urea, besides hematological parameters, i.e., the hemoglobin (Hb) content and complete blood count (CBC), were investigated. Results: The data showed that E. crassipes inhibited the arthritic progress and ameliorated the paw edema. The amelioration of parameters assessed via the histopathological analysis of ankle joints, as well as via hematological analysis, confirmed the diminution of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the plant-treated groups. Treatment with E. crassipes inhibited the expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukins (IL-1β and IL-6), nuclear factor KappaB (NF-κB), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-2 and MMP-3), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Serum PGE2 levels were also found to be reduced in treatment groups. A biochemical investigation revealed the improvements in hepatic markers in plant-treated groups. The data indicated that the plant has no hepatotoxic or nephrotoxic effects at the studied dose. GC-MS (Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry) analysis displayed the presence of phytochemicals having known anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Conclusions: Therefore, it may be concluded that E. crassipes possesses anti-arthritic characteristics that could be attributed to the modulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, MMPs, and PGE2 levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Sattar
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Lahore, Defence Road Campus, Lahore 54000, Pakistan;
| | - Arham Shabbir
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Lahore, Defence Road Campus, Lahore 54000, Pakistan;
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical and Allied Health Sciences, Lahore College for Women University, Jail-Road, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Shahzad
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Health Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan; (M.S.); (T.A.)
| | - Tasleem Akhtar
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Health Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan; (M.S.); (T.A.)
| | - Arfan Ahmad
- University Diagnostic Laboratory, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan;
| | - Sulaiman Mohammed Alnasser
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Unaizah College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Buraydah 52571, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Bushra Riaz
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, University of Hafr Al Batin, Hafar Al Batin 39524, Saudi Arabia; (B.R.); (S.K.); (A.A.)
| | - Shaik Karimullah
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, University of Hafr Al Batin, Hafar Al Batin 39524, Saudi Arabia; (B.R.); (S.K.); (A.A.)
| | - Ashfaq Ahmad
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, University of Hafr Al Batin, Hafar Al Batin 39524, Saudi Arabia; (B.R.); (S.K.); (A.A.)
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Mashaal K, Shabbir A, Khan MA, Hameed H, Shahzad M, Irfan A, Shazly GA, Mobashar A, Akhtar T, Shaheryar ZA, Bin Jardan YA. Anti-Arthritic and Immunomodulatory Potential of Methanolic, n-Hexane, and Ethyl Acetate Fractions of Bark of Acacia modesta on Complete Freund's Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis in Rats. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2228. [PMID: 37765197 PMCID: PMC10536206 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15092228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder and topic of interest for researchers due to its increasing frequency and limited treatment. Acacia modesta Wall is known to treat rheumatic disorders in the traditional system of medicinal plants. Traditional medicines are still required for the treatment of this disease due to the large number of side-effects caused by commercial medicines. In the current study, the antiarthritic potential of methanolic extract (AM-metha), n-hexane (AM-hexa) fraction, and ethyl acetate (AM-etha) fraction of the bark of A. modesta against a complete Freund's adjuvant rat model was evaluated. Evaluation using a digital plethysmometer, macroscopic evaluation, and histopathological evaluation were conducted to determine the paw volume and arthritic scoring. ELISA was performed to assess the PGE2 levels. RT-PCR was used to evaluate the expression levels of MMP2, MMP3, MMP9, NF-κB, IL6, IL1β, TNFα, and VEGF. Biochemical and hematological analyses were also conducted. GC/MS was also carried out to analyze the presence of medicinal compounds. The data revealed a marked reduction in the paw volume, arthritic scoring, and histopathological parameters, indicating the anti-arthritic potential of the plant. Treatment with plant extracts and fractions markedly down-regulated MMP2, MMP3, MMP9, NF-κB, IL6, IL1β, TNFα, and VEGF levels. Similarly, PGE2 levels were also found to be ameliorated in the treatment groups, indicating the immunomodulatory property of plant bark. Plant treatment nearly normalized hematological parameters such as counts of WBCs, RBCs, and platelets, along with Hb content, thereby validating the anti-arthritic activity. GC/MS analysis disclosed the presence of strong anti-inflammatory compounds such as lupeol, oleic acid, and squalene. The study showed that A. modesta possesses anti-arthritic and immunomodulatory potential linked to significant down-regulation of pro-inflammatory and inflammatory biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiran Mashaal
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Lahore, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Arham Shabbir
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Lahore, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical and Allied Health Sciences, Lahore College for Women University, Jail Road, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Mahtab Ahmad Khan
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Central Punjab (UCP), Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Huma Hameed
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Central Punjab (UCP), Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Shahzad
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Health Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Ali Irfan
- Department of Chemistry, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan;
| | - Gamal A. Shazly
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Aisha Mobashar
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Lahore, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Tasleem Akhtar
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Health Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Zaib Ali Shaheryar
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Lahore, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Yousef A. Bin Jardan
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
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Faheem MA, Akhtar T, Naseem N, Aftab U, Zafar MS, Hussain S, Shahzad M, Gobe GC. Chrysin Is Immunomodulatory and Anti-Inflammatory against Complete Freund's Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis in a Pre-Clinical Rodent Model. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:1225. [PMID: 37111711 PMCID: PMC10144384 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15041225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Chrysin (5,7-dihydroxyflavone) has many pharmacological properties including anti-inflammatory actions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the anti-arthritic activity of chrysin and to compare its effect with the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent, piroxicam, against complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritis in a pre-clinical model in rats. Rheumatoid arthritis was induced by injecting CFA intra-dermally in the sub-plantar region of the left hind paw of rats. Chrysin (50 and 100 mg/kg) and piroxicam (10 mg/kg) were given to rats with established arthritis. The model of arthritis was characterized using an index of arthritis, with hematological, biological, molecular, and histopathological parameters. Treatment with chrysin significantly reduced the arthritis score, inflammatory cells, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and rheumatoid factor. Chrysin also reduced the mRNA levels of tumor necrosis factor, nuclear factor kappa-B, and toll-like recepter-2 and increased anti-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-4 and -10, as well as the hemoglobin levels. Using histopathology and microscopy, chrysin reduced the severity of arthritis in joints, infiltration of inflammatory cells, subcutaneous inflammation, cartilage erosion, bone erosion, and pannus formation. Chrysin showed comparable effects to piroxicam, which is used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The results showed that chrysin possesses anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects that make it a potential drug for the treatment of arthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Asif Faheem
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Health Sciences, Lahore 54600, Pakistan
| | - Tasleem Akhtar
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Health Sciences, Lahore 54600, Pakistan
| | - Nadia Naseem
- Department of Morbid Anatomy and Histopathology, University of Health Sciences, Lahore 54600, Pakistan
| | - Usman Aftab
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Health Sciences, Lahore 54600, Pakistan
| | | | - Safdar Hussain
- Centre for Applied Molecular Biology (CAMB), University of the Punjab, Lahore 53700, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Shahzad
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Health Sciences, Lahore 54600, Pakistan
| | - Glenda Carolyn Gobe
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
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