Therapeutic effects of Hanbi Formula on adjuvant-induced arthritis rats / 中成药

ABSTRACT

AIM To research the therapeutic effects of Hanbi Formula (Astragali Radix,Aconiti Radix cocta,Scorpio,Scolopendrap and Pheretima) on adjuvant-induced arthritis rats (RA) and its mechanism of action.METHODS RA rat models were established by using Freund's adjuvant,and then the rats were divided into six groups,namely control group,model group,dexamethasone positive group,Baoguang Fengshi Liquid (Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix,Radix angelicae pubescentis,Chuanxiong Rhizoma,etc.) positive group,and low,high doses of Hanbi Formula groups.The volume and swelling of toes were measured.The interleukin-1 β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) of serum were detected by ELISA;the proliferative capacity of lymphocytes was tested by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTI) method;synovial tissue was histopathologically examined with HE staining.Finally,the expressions of interleukin-17 (IL-17) and TNF-α in synovial tissue were determined by immunohistochemical assays.RESULTS Hanbi Formula could significantly relieve toe swelling of RA rats.Compared with the model group,Hanbi Formula could significantly alleviate synovitis in rats with RA,down-regulate the expressins of IL-1 β and TNF-α in serum and synovial tissue,and inhibit lymphocyte proliferation.There were no significant differences in above indices between low-dose and high-dose Hanbi Formula groups,which was quite with Baoguang Fengshi Liquid,but less than dexamethasone.CONCLUSION Hanbi Formula possesses an obvious function of anti-RA,and its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of lymphocyte proliferation and reducing secretion of inflammatory cytokines.