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A high molecular weight protein extract of Mastobranchus indicus (Mi-64) having antiarthritic activity in
Mohammed Aftab Alam1, Santosh Kumar Sarkar, Antony Gomes
1Department of Marine Science, University of Calcutta, 35, Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata, 700019, India. alam.mohammedaftab@gmail.com
Abstract:
Mi-64, a high molecular weight protein (130 kDa), obtained from the tissue homogenate of marine polychaete (Mastobranchus indicus) collected from the Indian Sunderban has antiarthritic activity in experimental animals. The FCA-induced arthritis model was developed in Wistar albino rats to evaluate the antiarthritic effects of Mi-64. After FCA induction, the rats were treated with Mi-64 (0.25 and 0.5 mg kg(-1) body weight) for 10 days. We have determined the paw/ankle swellings, urinary hydroxyproline and glucosamine, serum acid and alkaline phosphatases to assess the antiarthritic activity. The levels of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), IL-6, cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant-1 (CINC-1), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and IL-10 were measured by ELISA. Results showed that Mi-64 significantly reduced paw/ankle swellings and restored the urinary hydroxyproline/glucosamine and serum phosphatases. Mi-64 significantly inhibited the overproduction of IL-1β, IL-6, CINC-1, and TNF-α and augmented IL-10 production. The data suggest that Mi-64 produced significant antiarthritic effects that may be mediated by balancing the pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines.
Insights
Marine protein Mi-64 demonstrates significant antiarthritic effects by reducing inflammation and balancing cytokines in a rat arthritis model.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biotechnology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Arthritis is a debilitating inflammatory condition with limited treatment options.
- Natural compounds are being explored for their therapeutic potential in managing arthritis.
- Marine organisms, such as polychaetes, represent a rich source of novel bioactive molecules.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the antiarthritic activity of Mi-64, a protein isolated from the marine polychaete Mastobranchus indicus.
- To evaluate the effects of Mi-64 on key inflammatory markers and biochemical parameters in an experimental arthritis model.
Main Methods:
- An arthritis model was induced in Wistar albino rats using Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA).
- Rats were treated with varying doses of Mi-64 (0.25 and 0.5 mg/kg body weight) for 10 days post-FCA induction.
- Assessment of antiarthritic activity involved measuring paw/ankle swelling, urinary hydroxyproline and glucosamine levels, serum phosphatases, and cytokine profiles (IL-1β, IL-6, CINC-1, TNF-α, IL-10) via ELISA.
Main Results:
- Mi-64 treatment significantly reduced paw and ankle swelling in arthritic rats.
- The protein restored normal levels of urinary hydroxyproline, glucosamine, and serum acid and alkaline phosphatases.
- Mi-64 effectively inhibited the overproduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, CINC-1, TNF-α) and increased the production of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10.
Conclusions:
- Mi-64 exhibits significant antiarthritic properties in an experimental model.
- The therapeutic effects of Mi-64 appear to be mediated by its ability to modulate pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine balance.
- This marine-derived protein holds potential as a novel therapeutic agent for arthritis management.