Luobitong Potentiates MTX's Anti-Rheumatoid Arthritis Activity Via Targeting Multiple Inflammatory Pathways

Overview

Journal J Inflamm Res

Publisher Dove Medical Press

Date 2024 Jul 12

PMID 38994468

Authors

Ziyu Li

Qiuyan Zhang

Yuhe Gao

Fang Wan

Yincang Wang

Bin Hou

Wenwen Cui

Yanan Wang

Wei Feng

Yunlong Hou

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: The LuoBiTong (LBT) capsule, a novel traditional Chinese medicine formulation, is currently in Phase III clinical trials. Preliminary preclinical and Phase II clinical studies suggest its efficacy and safety in treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the underlying mechanisms of its action remain to be elucidated.This research aims to explore the effects and mechanisms of LBT in conjunction with a maintenance dose of methotrexate (M-MTX) on RA.

Methods: A Collagen-Induced Arthritis (CIA) mouse model was used to evaluate the anti-RA effects of LBT combined with M-MTX. Assessments included foot swelling, arthritis scoring, serum inflammatory factor analysis, and histopathological examination of the foot. These effects were compared with those of high-dose MTX (H-MTX). Network pharmacology was employed to construct a compound-target network for RA, based on drug composition, to predict its potential mechanism of action. Flow cytometry, Western Blot, and immunohistochemical analyses in animal models identified multiple inflammatory pathways targeted by LBT to augment the anti-RA effects of MTX.

Results: The study revealed that LBT combined with M-MTX significantly alleviated CIA-induced arthritis without adverse effects. The combination of LBT and M-MTX showed similar or superior efficacy in regulating macrophage polarization, NF-κB, MAPK signaling pathways, and in the suppression of TH-17 expression in proinflammatory cells. These findings suggest that LBT may exert a multi-pathway therapeutic effect in RA treatment. The predicted pharmacological targets and mechanisms align well with this hypothesis.

Conclusion: LBT, when combined with MTX, enhances the anti-RA effect by targeting multiple inflammatory pathways, demonstrating significant therapeutic potential.

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