Inhibition of GSK3β protects against collagen type II-induced arthritis associated with a decrease in synovial

Norah M Alzamil1, Faten A Alradini1, Bahjat Al-Ani2

  • 1Department of Clinical Science, Family Medicine, College of Medicine, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Insights

TDZD-8, a GSK3β inhibitor, reduces knee joint inflammation in rats with collagen-induced arthritis. It lowers leukocyte infiltration, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and autophagy, offering a potential therapeutic strategy for arthritis.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis involves synovial membrane injury.
  • Collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) is a common animal model for rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β) plays a role in inflammatory pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the protective effects of TDZD-8, a GSK3β inhibitor, on the synovial membrane in a rat model of CIA.
  • To determine if TDZD-8 downregulates synovial leukocyte infiltration, endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS), and autophagy.
  • To explore the impact of TDZD-8 on apoptotic and proliferative biomarkers in CIA.

Main Methods:

  • Rats were immunized with collagen type II to induce arthritis.
  • TDZD-8 was administered to the treatment group after immunization.
  • Synovial tissues and blood were analyzed for leukocyte infiltration, ERS, autophagy, apoptosis, and proliferation markers.
  • Immunohistochemistry and biochemical assays were performed.

Main Results:

  • TDZD-8 significantly decreased CD45+ leukocyte infiltration in synovial tissues.
  • TDZD-8 inhibited collagen-induced autophagy (Beclin-1, LC3II) and ERS (GRP-78, IRE1-α, XBPIs, eIF2a) biomarkers.
  • TDZD-8 augmented pro-apoptotic proteins (CHOP, cleaved caspase-3) and did not affect proliferative markers (Akt, mTOR).
  • A correlation was found between arthritis autoantibodies and ERS/autophagy biomarkers.

Conclusions:

  • TDZD-8 demonstrates protective effects against CIA in rats.
  • The mechanism involves the downregulation of synovial leukocyte infiltration, ERS, and autophagy.
  • These effects are independent of Akt/mTOR signaling pathways.