Effect of Gentianae Macrophyllae Radix in different combinations on expression of MMP-3, TIMP-1, and ankle pathological changes in wind-damp-heat arthralgia rheumatoid arthritis model rats / 中草药

ABSTRACT

Objective: To observe the effects of Gentianae Macrophyllae Radix (Qinjiao) in different combinations on the expression of MMP-3, TIMP-1, and ankle pathological changes in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) model rats, and to explore the relationship between medicinal properties-disease-efficacy and explore the mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of RA. Methods: Eighty SD rats were randomly divided into blank group, collage II model group, rheumatic fever model group, tripterygium group, single Qinjiao group, Qinjiao-Weilingxian (Clematidis Radix et Rhizoma) group, Qinjiao-Sangjisheng (Taxilli Herba) group, and Qinjiao-Fangji (Stephanlae Tetrandrae Radix) group. Rheumatic fever arthralgia model was induced by collage II and exposed in rheumatic fever environment. After modeling, each administration group was ig administrated with corresponding drug solution. The paw thickness was observed every 3 d, and swelling was calculated; The arthritis index was scored in the early, middle, and late stages. Rats were sacrificed on day 39. The expression of MMP-3 and TIMP-1 in the ankle joint of rats was detected by immunohistochemistry, and the pathological changes of ankle joint were observed by HE staining. Results: Compared with the blank group, the paw edema, AI, and expression of MMP-3 in collage II model group and rheumatic fever model group was significantly higher, the expression of TIMP-1 were significantly lower, the articular surface of two groups was rough and damaged, and the articular cartilage was severely damaged. A large number of granulation tissues proliferated, accompanied by a large number of inflammatory cell infiltration and neovascularization. After treatment, compared with rheumatic fever model group, the paw edema, AI, and expression of MMP-3 in all treatment groups were reduced to varying degrees, in which the Qin-Fang group were lower most significant; The serum levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in all treatment groups were significantly decreased in varying degrees, especially in the Qin-Fang group; The expression of TIMP-1 was significantly increased in varying degrees, especially in the Qin-Fang group. HE staining results showed that the area of articular cartilage destruction and the degree of destruction were reduced, the inflammatory cells and neovascularization decreased, the number of repair fibers increased, and the scar tissue increased. Conclusion: For the rheumatic fever arthralgia RA, the combined effect of mild and cold Chinese materia medica (CMM) is better than the combined effect of mild and warm CMM, the combined effect of mild CMMs. Experimental results are consistent with the principles of traditional Chinese medicine clinical treatment of "treating the hot diseases should use the cold medicine", the mechanism of the compatibility drug relieving rheumatic fever arthralgia RA may be related to its ability, which can reduce the expression of MMP-3, increase the expression of TIMP-1, reduce articular cartilage destruction, and reduce inflammatory cell infiltration and vascular proliferation.