Effect of Angelica dahurica extract and imperatorin on gouty arthritis / 中国药理学通报

ABSTRACT

Aim To investigate the effects of Angelica dahurica extract and imperatorin on gouty arthritis induced by monosodium urate(MSU)crystal.Methods The model of gouty arthritis was established by injecting MSU crystals into the left ankle of rats.The degree of ankle swelling was measured at 0-24 h in rats.The histopathological changes of synovial tissues were observed.Meanwhile the mRNA and protein expression levels of Nod-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3), interleukin-1β(IL-1β), cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-1(caspase-1), interleukin-1 receptor type 1(IL-1R1), interleukin-6(IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)were detected by Western blot and RT-PCR in synovial tissues.Results Angelica dahurica extract and imperatorin significantly reduced MSU induced left ankle swelling in rats, and improved inflammatory infiltration in synovial tissues.The expression of NLRP3, IL-1β, caspase-1, IL-1R1, IL-6, TNF-α protein or mRNA in synovial tissues decreased significantly.Conclusion Angelica dahurica extract and its active component imperatorin could ameliorate gouty arthritis, which supplys basic data support for its clinical application.