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Antiarthritic effect of lonicerin on Candida albicans arthritis in mice
1Department of ImmunoMicrobiology, College of Pharmacy, Dongduk Women's University, 23-1 Wolgok-Dong, Sungbuk-Gu, Seoul 136-714, Korea.
Abstract:
Fungal arthritis is a potentially serious disease resulting in rapid destruction of the joint. Among the various Candida species, Candida albicans is the most commonly associated with fungal arthritis. In the present study, we examined the effect of lonicerin, a flavonoid isolated from Lonicerae Flos, on an arthritis caused by C. albicans cell wall (CACW) in mice. To examine the effect, an emulsified mixture of CACW and complete Freund's adjuvant (CACW/CFA) was injected into BALB/c mice via hind footpad route on days -3, -2, and -1. On Day 0, mice with the swollen footpad received lonicerin at 1 or 2 mg/dose/time intraperitoneally 3 times every other day. The footpad-swelling was measured for 20 days. Results showed that the lonicerin treatment reduced the edema at all dose levels, and, furthermore, there was app. 54% edema reduction in animals given the 2 mg-dose at the peak (day 10) of septic arthritis (p < 0.05). Since the peak, the edema was reduced in similar rates. This antiarthritic activity appeared to be mediated by lonicerin's ability to suppress T cell proliferation, nitric oxide production from macrophages, and shift of cellular immunity from Th1- toward Th2-type responses, all of which are beneficial to treat arthritis. In addition, the flavonoid had anticandidal activity (p < 0.01). These data suggest that lonicerin alone, which has both anti-arthritic and antifungal activities, can result in a combination therapy for the treatment of fungal arthritis due to C. albicans infection.
Insights
Lonicerin, a flavonoid, effectively reduced swelling in a mouse model of fungal arthritis caused by Candida albicans. This compound demonstrated both anti-arthritic and antifungal properties, suggesting its potential as a dual-action therapy.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
- Mycology
Background:
- Fungal arthritis, particularly from Candida albicans, causes rapid joint destruction.
- Candida albicans cell wall (CACW) is a common cause of fungal arthritis.
- Flavonoids are natural compounds with potential therapeutic benefits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anti-arthritic effects of lonicerin, a flavonoid from Lonicerae Flos, against Candida albicans-induced arthritis in mice.
- To evaluate the anticandidal activity of lonicerin.
Main Methods:
- BALB/c mice were induced with arthritis using an emulsified mixture of CACW and complete Freund's adjuvant (CACW/CFA).
- Mice received intraperitoneal injections of lonicerin (1 or 2 mg/dose) three times every other day.
- Footpad swelling was measured for 20 days to assess anti-arthritic activity.
Main Results:
- Lonicerin treatment significantly reduced edema in a dose-dependent manner.
- A 2 mg-dose of lonicerin resulted in approximately 54% edema reduction at the peak of arthritis (day 10).
- Lonicerin suppressed T cell proliferation, nitric oxide production, and shifted immune response towards Th2-type, while also exhibiting anticandidal activity (p < 0.01).
Conclusions:
- Lonicerin exhibits significant anti-arthritic activity in a mouse model of Candida albicans-induced arthritis.
- The anti-arthritic effects are likely mediated by the suppression of inflammatory responses and modulation of immune cell activity.
- Lonicerin possesses both anti-arthritic and antifungal properties, suggesting its potential as a single agent for combination therapy against fungal arthritis.
