Objective:To investigate the immunological mechanism of Yunpi Jiedu Tongluo Qushi(YJTQ)Formula in the treatment of collagen-induced arthritis(CIA).Methods:8-week male DBA/1 mice were randomly divided into 4 groups including control group,model group,YJTQ group,and methotrexate(MTX)group with seven mice each group.The arthritis model was induced by collagen injection,and the second immunization was performed on the 21st day after the first immunization.On the first immunization day,normal saline,YJTQ Formula and MTX were given gavage for 7 weeks,during which the joint score was performed weekly.After 7 weeks,joint score,ankle X-ray,saffron solid green staining,the level of anti-bovine type Ⅱ collagen antibody(anti-Col Ⅱ),spleen index,and spleen cell count were assessed to evaluate the condition of mice.Further,the number of T cells in spleen and the proportions of each subpopulation were analyzed by flow cytometry.Finally,the expression of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(Stat3)and B cell lymphomas 6(Bc16)were measured via Q-PCR.Results:Compared with model group,YJTQ group and MTX group both attenuated arthritis,with reduced inflammation score and joint injury(P＜0.05,P＜0.01)after the 28th day of self molding,as well as decreased anti-Col Ⅱ level(P＜0.01),in addition,the spleen index,the total number of spleen cells and T cells were inhibited(P＜0.01,P＜0.05).Follicular helper T(Tfh)cell differentiation was suppressed for YJTQ treatment(P＜0.01)and the expression of transcription factors Bcl6 and Stat3,which regulate Tfh differentiation,were also inhibited(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).However,MTX treatment has no influence on Tfh differentiation.Conclusion:YJTQ Formula can treat arthritis via inhibiting Tfh cell differentiation while the role of MTX for RA is independent of Tfh cells.
Rheumatoid arthritis(RA)Yunpi Jiedu Tongluo Qushi FormulaCollagen-induced arthritis(CIA)Follicular helper T cell(Tfh)Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(Stat3)B cell lymphomas 6(Bcl6)MechanismMethotrexate
NETL
NSTL
万方数据
