Morroniside Attenuates Rheumatoid Arthritis by Inhibiting Rheumatoid Synoviocytes Invasion through the NF-κB/MMPs

Yan Wang1,2, Ruili Yin1,2, Xin Li1,2

  • 1Center for Endocrine Metabolism and Immune Diseases, Beijing Luhe Hospital, Capital Medical University, Tongzhou District, Beijing, China.

Abstract

Insights

Morroniside (MOR) effectively inhibits rheumatoid arthritis (RA) joint destruction by preventing fibroblast-like synoviocyte (FLS) invasion. It suppresses the NF-κB/MMPs pathway, offering a potential therapeutic strategy for RA.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Immunology
  • Rheumatology

Background:

  • Morroniside (MOR) shows anti-inflammatory effects in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.
  • The mechanism of MOR in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and its effect on joint destruction are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the therapeutic potential of morroniside in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
  • To explore the anti-invasive mechanism of morroniside on joint destruction in RA.

Main Methods:

  • In vitro studies used primary rat articular fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) to assess migration and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression (MMP2, MMP9).
  • Western blot and immunofluorescence were employed to analyze the NF-κB signaling pathway components.
  • In vivo studies utilized a collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rat model to evaluate joint histopathology and MMP expression.

Main Results:

  • Morroniside reduced TNFα-stimulated FLS migration and attenuated joint invasion and destruction in CIA rats.
  • MOR inhibited the overexpression of MMP2 and MMP9 in both stimulated FLSs and CIA rat joints.
  • Mechanistically, morroniside suppressed IKKα/β activation, leading to increased levels of IκBα and inhibition of NF-κB.

Conclusions:

  • Morroniside prevents joint destruction in RA by inhibiting FLS invasion.
  • The anti-arthritic effect of MOR is mediated through the suppression of the NF-κB/MMPs pathway.

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