Supplementation with β-carotene aids minimize inflammation in monosodium urate crystal- induced gouty arthritis in Wistar albino rats

Abstract Gout is a form of metabolic arthritis originated on grounds of increased accumulation of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals in joints. Current study focuses on anti-arthritic activities of β-carotene on MSU crystal-induced gouty arthritis rats in comparison with the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, indomethacin. The evaluation was done by taking into account paw oedema, lysosomal enzymes, anti-oxidant enzymes, lipid peroxidation, serum biochemical parameters (uric acid, creatinine), serum cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β) and histopathological studies. After the induction of MSU crystals, the lysosomal enzymes were increased, antioxidant enzymes were reduced, lipid peroxidation increased and paw volume increased. β-carotene treated at a dose of 10 mg/kg of body weight stabilizes lysosomal enzymes, increases anti-oxidant enzymes, regulates lipid peroxidation and decreased paw volume. The drug β-carotene potentially influences anti-inflammatory effects in arthritic group which is evident from the reduction in the elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α and IL-1β. Current study is an evidence of anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects of β-carotene against MSU-crystal induced gouty arthritis rats.

Efficacy of CoenzymeQ10 in inhibiting monosodium urate crystal-induced inflammation in rats.

Gout is a type of arthritis, which could result from the deposition of monosodium urate crystals in joints. It can cause redness, burning pain, inflammation of joints especially in big toe. In this study, we have looked for anti-arthritic effect of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) on monosodium urate crystal-induced inflammation in rats and compared it with that of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, indomethacin. The evaluation was done by measuring the paw volume, antioxidant status, lipid peroxidation, lysosomal enzymes (ß-glcuronidase, ß-galactosidase, N-acetyl-ß-d-glucosaminidase, acid phosphatase) activities and histopathological studies. Paw volume, the levels of lysosomal enzymes, lipid peroxidation were significantly (P<0.05) increased and the antioxidant activity status was in turn decreased in monosodium urate crystal-induced rats. CoQ10 (10mg/kg/b.w. orally) treated monosodium urate crystal-induced rats showed near normal activities of lysosomal enzymes, reduced levels of lipid peroxidation, near normal paw volume and antioxidant status. CoQ10 was also able to minimize mononuclear cell infiltration and damage to articular cartilage. Current study indicates that CoQ10 possesses anti-inflammatory effect against gouty arthritis and can be used to treat acute form of gouty arthritis.

Reparation of Isoniazid and Rifampicin Combinatorial Therapy-Induced Hepatotoxic Effects by Bacopa monnieri.

Drug-induced liver injury is a major challenge in treating tuberculosis with isoniazid (INH) and rifampicin (RIF). This study was aimed at evaluating the protective effects of Bacopamonnieri (Brahmi) against INH and RIF-induced hepatotoxicity in a rat model and also to study the patterns of interaction between pregnane X receptor (PXR) and chosen active compounds of B. monnieri. Hepatotoxicity was induced in the experimental animals by the oral administration of INH and RIF (50 mg/kg b.w. each/day) for 28 days. The effects of co-administration of B. monnieri (500 mg/kg b.w./day) in INH- and RIF-induced rats were studied by the estimation of biochemical analyses. The standard hepatoprotective drug silymarin (25 mg/kg b.w./day) was used for the purpose of comparison. In silico docking experiments were carried out using the PatchDock server and the results were analysed on the PyMol molecular viewer. There was significant reduction in the antioxidant status of INH and RIF-induced rats. Also, there was significant elevation in the levels of serum liver function markers in the INH- and RIF-induced rats. B. monnieri was able to normalise the tested parameters. In silico studies reveal significant interaction between PXR and bacopaside I. B. monnieri exerts significant protective effects against INH and RIF-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.