PJB-2023-94
Eichhornia crassipes ameliorated rheumatoid arthritis by regulating inflammatory cytokines and metalloproteinase enzymes in rat model
Sara Sattar
Abstract
This study was planned to investigate the anti-arthritic property of flowers of E. crassipes in Sprague-Dawley rat model by administering Freund’s Complete Adjuvant (FCA). Scoring of arthritic progress and paw edema volumes were analyzed on specific days via macroscopic arthritic scale and digital Vernier caliper. Histopathological parameters were examined by Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining method. Blood samples were withdrawn from rats to investigate the effects of E. crassipes flower on mRNA expression values of inflammatory markers, via reverse transcription PCR technique. Serum samples were used to determine Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels using Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Values of Alanine Transaminase (ALT), Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), creatinine and urea, besides hematological parameter s i.e., Hemoglobin (Hb) content and Complete Blood Count (CBC), were investigated. The data depicted that E. crassipes inhibited the arthritic progress and ameliorated the paw edema. Histopathological assessment of ankle joints confirmed the diminution of RA in the plant-treated groups. Treatment with E. crassipes inhibited the expression levels of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-2 and MMP-3), Nuclear Factor-Kappa B (NF-κB) and Interleukins (IL-1β and IL-6) in the plant-treated groups. Hematological investigation also indicated the stabilization of assessed parameters in contrast to positive control. Biochemical investigation revealed the improvement in hepatic markers in plant-treated groups. The data indicated that plant has no hepatotoxic or nephrotoxic effects at studied dose. Therefore, it is concluded that flowers of E. crassipes possess anti-arthritic characteristics that can be attributed to their immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activities.
To Cite this article:
Download
