Activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway by Reynoutria japonica Houtt ameliorates complete Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats.

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) manifests through persistent synovitis and systemic inflammation, which ultimately result in the degradation of cartilage and bone. The current study was to scrutinize the anti-arthritic effect of Reynoutria japonica Houtt ameliorating complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced RA in rats and explore the underlying mechanism.

Material and methods: CFA was used for the induction of RA in the rats (rats were received the oral administration of Reynoutria japonica Houtt) and estimation of body weight and organ weight. The paw volume, arthritic score, paw withdrawn threshold, and paw withdrawn latency were estimated at regular time. The RF, hematological, hepatic, non-hepatic, ATG, oxidative stress, cytokines, and inflammatory parameters were estimated. The mRNA expression of different genes was scrutinized.

Results: Reynoutria japonica Houtt treatment improved the body weight and reduced the spleen and thymus index. Reynoutria japonica Houtt also suppressed the paw edema, arthritic score, paw withdrawn threshold, and paw withdrawn latency at regular time interval. Reynoutria japonica Houtt suppressed the RF and altered the hematological, hepatic, non-hepatic, cytokines and inflammatory parameters. Reynoutria japonica Houtt treatment significantly (P < 0.001) altered the expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, MMP-12, TNF-α, IL-1β, Il-6, IL-10, IL-17, COX-1, COX-2, NF-κB, iNOS, mTOR, LC3-II, AMPK, and Beclin 1.

Conclusion: The result clearly stated the promising effect of Reynoutria japonica Houtt against CFA-induced RA in rats via the suppression of NF-κB signaling pathway.