Exploring the Alleviating Effects and Mechanism of Qianggu Kangshu on Rheumatoid Arthritis

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Pharmacology
• Microbiome Research

Background:

• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by joint inflammation and destruction.
• Current RA treatments can have significant side effects, necessitating the exploration of novel therapeutic strategies.
• Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formulas, like Qianggu Kangshu (QGKS), offer potential alternative treatments for RA.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the therapeutic effects of the QGKS formula on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in a rat model.
• To elucidate the underlying mechanisms by which QGKS exerts its anti-arthritic effects.
• To evaluate QGKS's impact on inflammation, metabolic pathways, and gut microbiota composition in RA.

Main Methods:

• Establishment of CIA rat models and administration of varying doses of QGKS or methotrexate (MTX).
• Histopathological examination of synovial and ankle tissues using H&E and safranin-O staining.
• Quantification of serum pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) via ELISA.
• Metabolomic profiling using UPLC/MS-MS and gut microbiota analysis via 16S rDNA sequencing.

Main Results:

• QGKS treatment significantly reduced paw swelling and arthritis scores in CIA rats.
• Pro-inflammatory cytokine levels (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) were markedly decreased following QGKS intervention.
• Histological analysis showed reduced synovial inflammation and preserved cartilage integrity.
• Metabolomic analysis revealed alterations in glycerophospholipid metabolism and fatty acid degradation pathways.
• QGKS modulated gut microbiota, increasing beneficial Lactobacillus and decreasing pathogenic bacteria.

Conclusions:

• QGKS demonstrates significant therapeutic potential for RA by mitigating inflammation.
• The formula corrects metabolic disturbances and positively modulates the gut microbiota.
• QGKS represents a promising novel therapeutic option for rheumatoid arthritis management.