Ascidian tunicate extracts attenuate rheumatoid arthritis in a collagen-induced murine model
Abstract:
Murine rheumatoid arthritis models are often used to investigate the potential therapeutic effects of candidate drugs. The present study has been conducted in order to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of ascidian tunicate extracts in a collagen-induced arthritis DBA1/J mice model. Four types of formulas, ascidian tunicate extracts (ATE), crude ascidian tunicate glycans (ATEC), ascidian tunicate extracts with licorice extracts (ATEL), and crude ascidian tunicate glycans with licorice extracts (ATECL) were orally administered into DBA/1J mice for 3 weeks and paw edema and thickness were evaluated. Changes in inflammatory proteins and cytokines levels were monitored in hind leg tissues by Western blot and quantitative PCR analysis. The oral administration of ascidian tunicate extracts alleviated paw edema and improved the histological hind leg cartilage status. The extracts also reduced the matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) protein and prostaglandin E synthase (PGES) levels. In addition, the extracts-treated groups showed increased interleukin-10 (IL-10) levels compared with the non-treated group. These findings suggest that orally administered ascidian tunicate extracts might have potential therapeutic effects for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
Insights
Ascidian tunicate extracts show promise for treating rheumatoid arthritis. Oral administration in mice reduced inflammation and improved cartilage, suggesting therapeutic potential for this condition.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Murine models are crucial for evaluating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) drug candidates.
- Collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in DBA/1J mice mimics human RA.
- Investigating natural compounds for RA treatment is an active research area.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the therapeutic efficacy of ascidian tunicate extracts in a CIA mouse model.
- To evaluate four different ascidian tunicate extract formulations.
- To analyze the impact of these extracts on inflammatory markers in RA.
Main Methods:
- Oral administration of ascidian tunicate extracts (ATE, ATEC, ATEL, ATECL) to DBA/1J mice for 3 weeks.
- Evaluation of paw edema and thickness.
- Western blot and quantitative PCR analysis of inflammatory proteins (MMP-9, PGES) and cytokines (IL-10) in hind leg tissues.
Main Results:
- Oral ascidian tunicate extracts significantly alleviated paw edema and improved cartilage histology.
- Reduced levels of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and prostaglandin E synthase (PGES) were observed.
- Increased interleukin-10 (IL-10) levels were noted in treated groups compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- Ascidian tunicate extracts demonstrate potential therapeutic effects for rheumatoid arthritis.
- The extracts may exert their benefits by modulating key inflammatory mediators.
- Further research into ascidian tunicate compounds for RA treatment is warranted.
