Abstract
Background Recent studies have shown the potential role of Picrorhiza kurroa in inhibiting experimental arthritis; hitherto, the regulatory pathway for its anti arthritic effect has remained mysterious. In the present study, we sought to investigate the disease modifying role of Picrorhiza kurroa rhizome extract (PKRE) and its functional interaction with HO 1,Nrf 2 and MAPKs in adjuvant induced arthritis.
Methods Arthritis was induced by sub-plantar administration of complete Freunds adjuvant in experimental rats. Joint swelling and body weight were measured on days 14, 21 and 28 to evaluate anti-arthritic activity. In order to evaluate the effect of PKRE on disease progression, activity of PKRE on mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL 1Beta, IL 6, TNF alpha and NFkB) and protein expression of oxidative stress markers (HO 1,Nrf 2) & MAPK phosphorylation was studied.
Results In the present study, PKRE not only significantly inhibit joint swelling, weight loss but also inhibit increase spleen weight. It also abrogated mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and upregulate anti-inflammatory cytokine, IL 10. In addition, PKHE attenuate phosphorylation of p38,ERK, JNK and increased HO 1,Nrf 2 expression in arthritic joint. Histopathological findings correlated with the physical and molecular outcomes showing decreased inflammatory cells, synovial hyperplasia and joint destruction.
Conclusion- Taken together, these results provide substantial evidence to validate the traditional use of Picrorhiza kurroa in treatment of arthritis and other immunological disorders.
