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Updated: Mar 3, 2026
An Adoptive Transfer Model of Rheumatoid Arthritis in Mice
Published on: June 6, 2025
Multiomics Integration Reveals Yu-Xue-Bi Tablets Attenuate Rheumatoid Arthritis via Metabolic Reprogramming-Mediated
Chuanjie Zhang1, Runze Li2, Yingjie Wang3
1The First Clinical College of Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenyang 110847, China.
Abstract:
As a systemic chronic inflammatory disease, Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by progressive inflammation and bone and cartilage destruction, leading to significant disability, reduced lifespan, and increased mortality. The clinical use of conventional medications, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), and corticosteroids, is associated with significant adverse effects. Long-term administration may induce various toxicities, such as hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, osteoporosis, and heightened infection susceptibility. While newer biological agents demonstrate improved efficacy, they may elevate risks of serious infections and malignancies. Additionally, a subset of patients exhibit inadequate response to these biologic therapies. Given the limitations of current therapies, identifying safer and more effective therapeutic targets and strategies for RA is imperative. Here, we report the efficacy of Yu-Xue-Bi Tablets (YXB), a classic traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula, in treating RA. YXB-treated collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mice exhibited improved general health with markedly ameliorated joint integrity and local inflammation. Mechanistically, RNA-seq analysis of synovial tissue revealed that YXB exerts therapeutic effects in RA by suppressing the mechanosensitive ion channel Piezo1. Integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses suggested that YXB ameliorates metabolic disorders in CIA mice, leading to Piezo1 downregulation, a finding validated in primary macrophages. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that YXB alleviates RA by suppressing Piezo1 expression via metabolic reprogramming, offering a novel therapeutic strategy for the clinical treatment of RA.
Insights
Yu-Xue-Bi Tablets (YXB), a traditional Chinese medicine, effectively treats rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by suppressing Piezo1 expression. This novel approach involves metabolic reprogramming, offering a safer alternative for RA patients.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
- Traditional Chinese Medicine
Background:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease causing joint destruction and disability.
- Current RA treatments (NSAIDs, DMARDs, biologics) have significant adverse effects and limited efficacy for some patients.
- There is a critical need for safer and more effective RA therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of Yu-Xue-Bi Tablets (YXB), a traditional Chinese medicine, in treating rheumatoid arthritis.
- To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of YXB's therapeutic effects in RA.
Main Methods:
- Collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mouse model was used to evaluate YXB efficacy.
- RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) of synovial tissue analyzed gene expression changes.
- Integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses identified molecular pathways involved.
- YXB's effect on Piezo1 expression was validated in primary macrophages.
Main Results:
- YXB treatment significantly improved general health and ameliorated joint inflammation and integrity in CIA mice.
- RNA-seq revealed YXB suppresses the mechanosensitive ion channel Piezo1 in RA.
- Metabolic and transcriptomic analyses indicated YXB ameliorates metabolic disorders by downregulating Piezo1.
- Piezo1 downregulation by YXB was confirmed in primary macrophages.
Conclusions:
- Yu-Xue-Bi Tablets (YXB) demonstrate significant therapeutic potential for rheumatoid arthritis.
- YXB alleviates RA by suppressing Piezo1 expression through metabolic reprogramming.
- YXB offers a novel and potentially safer therapeutic strategy for RA treatment.
