ABSTRACT
Objective To observe the effects of Fengshi Bitong Prescription (FSBT) on cytokines in serum and Fas/FasL mRNA expression system in synovium; To discuss relevant mechanism of action. Methods Rats were given foot intradermal injection of bovine type Ⅱ collagen emulsion to establish collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model. After successful modeling, they were randomly divided into 6 groups: normal control group, CIA model group, tripterygium glycosides group, FSBT high-, medium-, and low-dose groups. Each medication group was given relevant medicine for gavage for 14 d. The weight and arthritis scores of CIA rats were observed. Serum levels of IL-1β, IL-15, and TGF-β1 were detected by ELISA. Expressions of Fas and FasL mRNA in synovium of CIA rats were detected by real-time PCR. Results Compared with model group, the foot arthritis score and serum levels of IL-15 in FSBT high- and medium-dose groups significantly decreased (P<0.01), and the serum level of TGF-β1 significantly increased (P<0.05). Expression of Fas significantly decreased and FasL significantly increased in FSBT high-dose group (P<0.05). Conclusion FSBT may have certain immune regulation effects on rheumatoid arthritis. Its mechanism may be in regulating Fas/FasL apoptosis system, thereby inducing apoptosis of synovial cells and inhibiting synovial hyperplasia.