Xitong Wan attenuates inflammation development through inhibiting the activation of nuclear factor-κB in rats with adjuvant-induced arthritis

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Xitong Wan (XTW), a traditional Chinese herbs formula, has been used to treat "Bi Zheng" in the clinical practice of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for hundreds of years. However, no scientific validation is available on the anti-rheumatic effect of XTW. Aim of study: This study was carried out to investigate the effects of XTW on joints swelling, joints destruction, production of inflammatory mediators and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B) activation in rats with adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA). Materials and methods: AIA was induced by intradermal injection of Complete Freund's adjuvant in the footpad of Wistar rats. Paw volume was measured every 7 days during XTW treatment. Histological score was calculated by hematoxylin and eosin staining. osteoclast number in articular tissues was counted by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining. Levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-1 beta and IL-6 in serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Levels of NF-kappa Bp65 and inhibitor of NF-kappa B (I kappa B)alpha in synovium were analyzed by Western blot assay. Results: Compared with AIA group rats, XTW significantly decreased the paw volume of AIA rats. Meanwhile, XTW significantly reduced the histological score and osteoclast number in articular tissues of NA rats. In addition, XTW markedly abated the levels of TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta and IL-6 in serum, as well as enhanced the level of I kappa B alpha in synovium of MA rats. However, XTW did not show significant effect on the level of p65 in synovium of AIA rats. Conclusions: These results suggest that XTW attenuates the inflammation development through inhibiting the NF-kappa B-mediated proinflammatory cytokines production in AIA rats. Our study provides the scientific evidence of XTW on treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in the clinical practice of TCM. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.