A Study on the Pharmacological Effects and Mechanism of Rhodojaponin III in Rheumatoid Arthritis

作者：Xiaorong Liu, Shuofu Li, Yin Xu, Wenya Mei, Ri-Bao Zhou · 发表于：Frontiers in Bioscience-Landmark · 年份：2023 · DOI：10.31083/j.fbl2812337 · 被引用次数：4 · 研究领域：Phytochemical Studies and Bioactivities、Natural product bioactivities and synthesis、Natural Compounds in Disease Treatment

BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease with a high rate of disability accompanied by various complications. The pathogenesis of RA is complex with multiple targets and links. This study aims to investigate pharmacological effects and mechanism of Rhodojaponin III in RA. METHODS: The bovine type II collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rat model and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) model were constructed. Different concentrations of Rhodojaponin III were utilized for intervention. The progression of CIA was assessed by the arthritis index (AI). Pathological changes in knee joints and synovium were observed. The expressions of angiogenesis-related cytokines were detected. The proliferation, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis of HUVECs were detected. The levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines were determined. The expressions of nuclear factor kappa B-inducing kinase (NIK) pathway-related proteins were analyzed. The binding of Rhodojaponin III to NIK was simulated by molecular docking. RESULTS: Rhodojaponin III suppressed cartilage damage and bone erosion in the knee joints. Rhodojaponin III inhibited expressions of platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (CD31) and vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF) to decrease vascular density. Rhodojaponin III suppressed the proliferation, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis of HUVECs, and decreased the levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1...