Background

As a prolonged autoimmune disorder, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterised by synovial hyperplasia and the erosion of bone and cartilage. Magnoflorine (MAG) is the main component purified from Clematis manshurica Rupr. Recent studies have shown that MAG has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunosuppressive effects, which are relevant to anti-RA activities.

Objective

The current investigation was conducted to explore the anti-RA effects of MAG and to discover the possible molecular mechanisms.

Methods

In vitro experiments, CCK-8, wound healing, and transwell assays were utilized to evaluate the anti-proliferative, anti-migratory, and anti-invasive activities of MAG, respectively. The rate of cell distribution and cell apoptosis were evaluated by flow cytometry. ROS generation was detected by DCFH-DA staining. Western blotting, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction assay, and immunofluorescent staining were employed to test the anti-RA effect of MAG as well as to explore the potential mechanisms by evaluating related gene and protein expression. For in vivo experiments, an adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) rat model was established. The related parameters were measured in rats. Then, rats were sacrificed, and ankle joints were collected for histopathological analysis and observation.

Results

MAG significantly decreased the proliferation, migration, invasion, and reactive oxygen species levels in IL-1β-treated MH7A cells. Furthermore, MAG promoted cell apoptosis by increasing Bax levels and decreasing Bcl-2 levels. MAG also induced cell cycle arrest. Inflammatory cytokines (iNOS, COX-2, IL-6, and IL-8) and MMPs (MMP-1, 2, 3, 9, and 13) were reduced by MAG treatment. Molecular analysis revealed that MAG exerted anti-RA effects by partly inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signalling axis and activating the Keap1-Nrf2/HO-1 signalling pathway. In vivo studies have revealed that MAG treatment substantially improved severe symptoms in AIA rats, and these curative effects were linked to the attenuation of inflammatory responses.

Conclusion

These results first suggested that MAG exhibits anti-arthritic effects in IL-1β-treated MH7A cells and AIA rat models. Thus, MAG may be used as a new drug to treat RA clinically.