Kadsua coccinea Extract Alleviates Rheumatoid Arthritis via TNF-α Suppression and Gut Microbiota Modulation

Area of Science:

• Phytochemistry
• Immunology
• Microbiology

Background:

• Kadsura coccinea (KCR) is a traditional Chinese medicinal plant used for rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
• The precise anti-RA mechanisms of KCR remain largely unelucidated.
• KCR is traditionally consumed as a medicinal wine by various ethnic groups in southern China.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the anti-rheumatoid arthritis (RA) effects of Kadsura coccinea (KCR) ethanol extract.
• To investigate the underlying mechanisms of KCR's therapeutic action in RA.
• To assess the safety profile of KCR extract.

Main Methods:

• In vitro studies using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RA fibroblast-like synoviocytes (RAFLS) and RAW264.7 macrophages.
• In vivo studies utilizing an adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) rat model.
• Mechanism exploration through network pharmacology, molecular biology, and gut microbiota analysis.

Main Results:

• KCR extract suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) in stimulated cells.
• KCR markedly reduced paw swelling, synovial hyperplasia, and bone destruction in AIA rats.
• Gut microbiota modulation, particularly involving Corynebacterium and Jeotgalicoccus, was observed.
• No significant toxicity was noted at a dose of 3000 mg/kg.

Conclusions:

• Kadsura coccinea (KCR) effectively alleviates joint inflammation and pathology in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) models.
• KCR exerts its anti-RA effects by suppressing TNF-α-driven inflammation and modulating the gut microbiota.
• The identified TNF-α-gut axis involving Corynebacterium and Jeotgalicoccus provides a mechanistic basis for KCR's efficacy.
• Findings support the safe clinical application and further development of KCR for RA treatment.