Trivalent chromium supplementation ameliorates adjuvant induced rheumatoid arthritis through up-regulation of FOXP3...

Area of Science:

• Immunology and Rheumatology
• Trace Element Research
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a debilitating autoimmune disease.
• Current immunosuppressants for RA carry significant side effects.
• Trivalent chromium (Cr (III)) influences inflammatory pathways and cytokines.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the therapeutic potential of Cr (III) in a rat model of RA.
• To compare the efficacy and side effect profile of Cr (III) with prednisolone.

Main Methods:

• Adult male rats were induced with RA using complete Freund adjuvant.
• Treatment groups included normal, untreated RA, prednisolone, and Cr (III).
• Assessments included arthritis scoring, weight, histopathology, FOXP3 expression, inflammatory markers (IL-17, IL-10, CRP), Cathepsin G, and lipid profiles.

Main Results:

• Cr (III) treatment significantly improved clinical and histopathological signs of RA.
• Cr (III) demonstrated potent anti-inflammatory effects, comparable or superior to prednisolone.
• Cr (III) mitigated side effects associated with prednisolone, such as weight gain and dyslipidemia.

Conclusions:

• Cr (III) is a promising therapeutic agent for RA with a favorable side effect profile compared to prednisolone.
• Further research, including clinical trials, is warranted to determine optimal dosing and long-term safety of Cr (III) for RA and other autoimmune diseases.