• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.542-547
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• 2008

In order to examine anti-inflammatory effect of Cinnamomi Ramulus (CR) alcohol extract on rheumatoid arthritis, the present study investigated the viability and TNF-${\alpha}$ production in Raw264.7 cells treated with CR and collagen induced arthritis in DBA/1J mice which were orally administered with CR prior to immunization. The results are as follows: CR extract at $20{\mu}g/ml$ inhibited the viability of Raw264.7 by 50%. CR at 15 and $20{\mu}g/ml$ showed a significant decrease in TNF-${\alpha}$ levels from Raw264.7 cells treated with LPS. CR administration decreased arthritic index in DBA/1J mice immunized with bovine collagen type II but it did not reach statistical significance. CR administration significantly decreased spleen weights obtained from mice in 6 weeks after immunization. CR administration significantly decreased serum anti-type II collagen antibody levels compared with control group. CR administration decreased serum IL-6 levels compared with control group but it did not reach statistical significance.

• The Journal of Korean Society of Virology
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.179-187
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• 2000

The etiology of rheumatic arthritis (RA) is associated with a number of genetic and environmental factors, but is not definitively elucidated. Recently, more attention has been paid to the possibility of microbial etiology in the pathogenesis of RA, because many different infectious agents have been reported to precede the onset or exacerbation of RA. Adenovirus (ADV) may be one cause of persistent or recurrent inflammatory arthritis. Varicella zoster virus (VZV) arthritis is detected frequently in RA patients treated with low dose methotrexate. The demonstration of simultaneous presence of both viral agents of specific viral nucleic acid in synovial fluids from synovitis patients would provide more direct evidence for arthritis etiological relationship, but there are no confirmed results. Therefore, we studied the ability of adenovirus and VZV to establish coinfection and persistent infection in synovial fluid from synovitis patients. The presence of viral agents in the synovial fluid demonstrated by isolation of cell culture, enzyme immunoassay and nested-PCR. The synovial fluids were also investgated for the presence of viral nucleic acid by nested-PCR using specific primer. ADV produced 220 bp and VZV produced 447 bp by each nested-PCR with specific primers. We detected 4/6 cases (66.7%) with persistent infection of ADV and 5/6 cases (83.3%) of VZV with 13 synovial fluids (between 7 to 52 day intervals) from synovitis patients by monoclonal ErA and nested-PCR. 21/28 cases (75%) with coinfection of adenovirus and VZV with synovial fluids from synovitis patients by nested-PCR. ADV and VZV coinfection and persistent infection of synovial fluids may provide a chronic antigenic stimuli to the immune system therefore provoking a continuing inflammatory response and caused the possibility of synovitis and arthritis.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.103-108
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• 2009

Purpose: Electrical stimulation is one of several treatments recommended for RA patients. Electrical stimulation of RA patients, reduces pain, or facilitates joint motion prior to exercises. However, there is still limited evidence on the efficacy of electrical stimulation and thus any conclusions drawn about this method remain controversial. Recently, Microcurrent Electrical Neuromuscular Stimulation (MENS) has received significant attention as a potential method of electrical stimulation. In this study, we investigated the effect of microcurrent treatment in rheumatoid arthritis rat. Methods: Subjects were allocated either to the control group or experimental group, which was subject to microcurrent stimulation. Interleukin-1 expression in the metatarsophlangeal joint and the oedema index in the ankle were used for classification and subsequent evaluation of pathology. Subjects were assessed at 1, 7 and 14 days after inducing rheumatoid arthritis through adjuvant injection. Thirty-six subjects, 18 in each group, were used in this study. Statistical analysis was performed by calculating the differences between the two groups and between each interval assessment. Categorical variables were compared between the two groups with the paired-T test. The one-way ANOVA test was performed to assess changes in ordinal variables. Results: Baseline characteristics were similar in both groups. Statistically significant differences were found between the two groups. The biological marker of pro-inflammatory cytokine and oedema index were decreased in response to this treatment. Conclusion: These data show that treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with a microcurrent stimulation device reduced the oedema index and pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1.

• Food Science and Biotechnology
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.594-599
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• 2007

In this study, we evaluated whether the oral administration of chondroitin from the cartilage of Raja kenojei is effective on the progression of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), using collagen-induced arthritic (CIA) mice. Arthritis development was delayed dose-dependently in the chondroitin-treated groups. The pre- and late-treated groups receiving 1,000 mg/kg of chondroitin had clinical scores that were reduced significantly by 56.9 (p<0.05) and 43.3% (p<0.05), respectively, compared to the vehicle-treated groups. Hematoxylin eosin staining and X-ray radiography showed that the chondroitins reduced the infiltration of inflammatory cells and prevented joint destruction of the knee and paw. Reverse transcription-polyerase chain reaction analysis revealed that chondroitin administration inhibited the expressions of tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}$ ($TNF-{\alpha}$), $interlukin-1{\beta}$ ($IL-1{\beta}$), and $interferon-{\gamma}$ ($IFN-{\gamma}$) in joints more than the administration of vehicle. Chondroitin treatment also decreased the production of rheumatoid factors (RF), IgG and IgM, in the serum of CIA mice. These results indicate that chrondroitin administration has a protective effect involving the inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokine production in CIA mice.

• The Korean Journal of Pharmacology
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.51-54
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• 1990

Human leukocyte cathepsin-Gs are active participant in the active phase of inflammations like rheumatoid arthritis, emphysema and glomerular injury. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely used for treatment of these inflammatory diseases. Mechanism of action of NSAIDs for treatment of inflammatory diseases, especially like rheumatoid arthritis, are known as the inhibitors of prostaglandin synthesis. Inhibitions of the activities of human leukocyte cathepsin-Gs by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, however, were not same as the known pharmacological effects (inhibition of cyclooxygenase) of these drugs. Among them, especially, sulindac, salicylate, phenylbutazone, oxyphenbutazone, and salicyluric acid inhibited human leukocyte cathepsin-Gs effectively. $IC_{50}s$ of each drug were 4.3mM, 14.3mM, 6.5mM, 11mM and 15mM respectively. The drugs which have same chemical structure and same degree of inhibition effect on cyclooxygenase showed different degree or no effect on inhibition of cathepsin G. These inhibition effect might be, beside of inhibition of cyclooxygenase in the prostaglandin synthesis pathway, another benefitial antiinflammatory effect of NSAIDs by direct protection against tissue destruction in inflammatory diseases.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.33-46
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• 2021

Objectives The aim of this study is to evaluate anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic effects of Sogyunghwalhyel-tang-gamibang (SGHHTGB) in cell and animal models and also to suggest one of putative mechanisms underlying its anti-arthritic effects. Methods Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was applied to measure the concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in culture medium and blood serum and nitric oxide (NO) was assayed by Griess reagent. The expressions of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) were analyzed by Western blot method. Results In a cell model using RAW264.7 macrophages stimulated with the endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS), the drug, at its non-cytotoxic concentrations, inhibited the production of the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6. In addition, it suppressed the expression of the inflammatory enzyme iNOS and COX-2, and reduced the synthesis of the enzyme product NO (as stable nitrite) and PGE2 in activated macrophages. Meanwhile, in an animal model using rheumatic arthritis (RA) mice induced with injection of type II collagen antibody (CAb) and LPS, the drug improved clinical symptom of arthritis and reduced paw thickness and inflammatory cell infiltration. In blood of RA mice, the drug reduced serum levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, nitrite, and PGE2, all inflammatory mediators produced by activated macrophages. Conclusions SGHHTGB may ameliorate CAb and LPS-induced RA in mice, presumably by inactivating macrophages that are capable of initiating joint inflammation by producing pro-inflammatory cytokines and expressing inflammatory enzymes.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.77-87
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• 2000

Objectives : To investigate effects of Achyranthis Radix aqua-acupuncture on adjuvant arthritis in rats. Methods : After eliciting arthritis in Sprague dawley(SD) rats by injection of Freund's complete adjuvant for 2 weeks, normal saline was injected for the Exp. I group and Achyranthis Radix aqua-acupuncture was injected for the Exp. II group during 30days. The selected point was Dokbi (ST35) in both groups. Then the edema rate, the number of WBC, the quantity of total protein, albumin and globuline in the blood serum, and histological test of the muscular tissue were measured in the arthritis stricken areas. Results : I) The volume of the paws were checked. The volume of the paws was $0.84{\pm}0.l4mm$ in the Exp. I group and $0.47{\pm}0.14mm$ in the Exp. IIgroup. The swelling of the paws was restricted significantly in the Exp. II group(P<0.05). 2) The number of WBC was $10.34{\pm}0.14(l03/ml)$ in the normal group and $37.47{\pm}5.46(103/ml)$ in the Exp. I group. It was $21.24{\pm}2.58(103/ml)$ in the Exp. II group. This fact showed that treatment with Achyranthis Radix aqua-acupuncture adminstered to the Exp. II group was more effective than the Exp. I group in the treatment of arthritis(P<0.05). 3) The content of the total protein in the blood serum was $6.14{\pm}43g/dl$ in the normal group, $7.95{\pm}0.94g/dl$ in the Exp. I group, and $6.41{\pm}0.68g/dl$ in the Exp. II group. There was no significance in total protein between the Exp. II group and the Exp. I group from the statistical analysis. 4) The content of albumin in the blood serum was $2.94{\pm}0.l3g/dl$ in the normal group, $2.01{\pm}0.48g/dl$ in the Exp. I group and $3.15{\pm}0.27g/dl$ in the Exp. II group, which revealed a significant increase in the serum albumin from the statistical analysis of the Exp. II group compared with the Exp. I group. 5) The content of the globulin in the blood serum was $3.19{\pm}$0.48g/dl in the normal group, $4.70{\pm}1.26g/dl$ in the Exp. I group and $3.26{\pm}0.57g/dl$ in the Exp. II group. There was no significance in the serum globulin between the Exp. II group and Exp. I group from the statistical analysis. 6) In histological findings, because of severe inflammatory reaction, remarkably irregular tissue and large amount of inflammatory cells were found in the Exp. I group. But the Exp. II group showed a small amount of inflammatory cells, the refrained inflammatory state and even recovering state. Conclusions : These results show that Achyranthis Radix aqua-acupuncture reduces the inflammatory reaction and muscular tissue necrosis in SD rat's paws induced by Freund's complete adjuvant.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.27-44
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• 2015

Objectives This study was carried out to find the effects of Gami-cheongyulsaseub-tang (hereinafter referred to GCST) on the inhibition of zymosan-induced pain in rats and collagen II-induced arthritis (CIA) in DBA/1J mouse. Methods As an acute inflammatory pain model, peripheral inflammation was induced by intraplantar injection of zymosan into the right hind paw in rats and then the hyperalgesia and pain regulating factors in spinal cord were analyzed. As a chronic inflammation model, the mixture of collagen II and complete Freund's adjuvant was treated into mice to establish rheumatoid arthritis and then body weight, thickness of hind paw, pathological change of spleen, immunological rheumatoid factor (IgG1, IgG2a, IgG2b, IgM and anti-collagen II), pro-inflammatory cytokines, and bone injury were analyzed. Results In the acute inflammatory pain model, GCST significantly inhibited the thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia and the pain regulating factors, including Fos, CD11b, PKA and PKC, in the spinal cord with a dose-dependent manner. In the chronic rheumatoid arthritis model, GCST administration decreased arthritic index and paw edema as compared with CIA control group. In particular, GCST reduced significantly the serum levels of total IgG2a, IgG2b, IgM, and specific anti-collagen II, but not total IgG1. GCST also resulted in the attenuation of bone injury and spleen enlargement/adhesion in CIA mice. Moreover, the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-${\alpha}$ and IL-$1{\beta}$ in CIA mice was significantly reduced by GCST in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusions Comparison of the results in this study showed that GCST had anti-nociceptive and immunomodulatory effects. These data imply that GCST can be used as an effective drug for not only rheumatoid arthritic pain but also other auto-immune diseases.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Applied Pharmacology
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• 2001.11a
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• pp.41-76
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• 2001

Rheumatoid arthritis is an incurable chronic inflammatory and destructive arthopathy that affects 1% of the population world-wide. It has substantial personal, social and economic costs. The long-term prognosis is poor: 80 percent of affected patients will become disabled within 20 years after onset of disease. Medical costs of rheumatoid arthritis average ∼$ 6000 (US) per patient (1), Current antirheumatic drugs have limited efficacy and many side effects and more importantly they do not improve the long-term prognosis of rheumatoid arthritis (2). After a decade of few notable advances in therapy, several biological response modifiers that target pathophysiological processes in the disease have now emerged in the clinic. These new drugs are termed biological agents, and although information about their use in the clinic is still limited to short term treatment, they appear to have the ability to modify disease progress. In addition, COX-2 selective agents have now been approved that have comparable efficacy with standard NSAIDs, but fewer gastrointestinal side effects (3). Thus today many more therapeutic options are suddenly open to patients that even five years ago had little hope of relief from chronic pain and inflammation.

• Journal of Haehwa Medicine
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.217-235
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• 2002

NSAIDs(Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug), Steroid(corticosteroid), DMARD(Dise modifying anti-rheumatic drug), Immunosuppressive agent, BRM(Biologic response modifier) western medication of Rheumatoid arthritis. Recent trends in western medication of Rheum arthritis is an inverted pyramid treatment. Byunjeungsichi(辨證施治), Yakchim(藥針), Oechibub(外治法 external treatment) are orie medication of Rheumatoid arthritis. Yakchim(藥針) and Oechibub(外治法 external treatment) the advantage of trouble in oral administration.