ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with joint damage. For treatment, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), steroidal agents, and immune-suppressants are used. Their side-effects require a safe and effective natural alternative. ANIMALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six male albino rats, half kept under observation for 1 week (group I) and others for 2 weeks (group II) were used. Each group was subdivided into: normal (A), RA (B), and oral mandarin-peel extract (MPE) treated (C). Ankle diameter, serum levels of RF, interleukin (IL)-1ß, TNFα, IL-4, IL-10, liver homogenates malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and nitric oxide (NO) were measured together with the histopathological examination. RESULTS: MPE treatment was associated with increased serum IL-4, IL-10, liver homogenates GSH, and SOD, and decreased ankle diameter, serum RF, IL-1ß, TNFα, liver homogenates MDA, NO, inflammatory cell infiltrate, and necrosis. Two weeks' treatment was better. CONCLUSIONS: MPE has useful effects in alleviating the disturbed ankle diameter, serum pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators, oxidative stress, and ankle joint histopathology in rheumatic rats.
