Exploring the Alleviating Effects and Mechanism of Qianggu Kangshu on Rheumatoid Arthritis.

AIM: This study discussed the treatment effects and underlying mechanisms of the Qianggu Kangshu (QGKS) formula in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODS

Rat models of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) were established and divided into six groups: control group, model group, low-dose QGKS group (QGKS-L, 6.3 g/kg/day), middle-dose QGKS group (QGKS-M, 12.6 g/kg/day), high-dose QGKS group (QGKS-H, 25.2 g/kg/day), and methotrexate (MTX, 1 mg/kg/week). The histopathological changes regarding synovial and ankle tissues were evaluated using hematoxylin-eosin staining and safranin-O staining. Serum levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 were measured using ELISA kits. UPLC/MS-MS was used to analyze serum components, and 16S rDNA sequencing was conducted for analyzing the intestinal contents of the treated CIA rats.

RESULTS

Arthritis symptoms were alleviated in QGKS-treated CIA rats, evidenced by decreased paw swelling and lower arthritis scores compared to control groups. QGKS treatment resulted in a marked decrease in proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6). Histological analyses revealed reduced synovial inflammation and preserved cartilage integrity following QGKS intervention. Metabolomic profiling identified significant alterations in metabolic pathways related to glycerophospholipid metabolism and fatty acid degradation after addition of QGKS in CIA rats. Moreover, QGKS treatment improved gut microbiota composition, along with increased beneficial bacteria Lactobacillus and decreased pathogenic strains.

CONCLUSION

QGKS alleviated CIA symptoms by reducing inflammation, correcting metabolic disturbances, and modulating gut microbiota, suggesting its potential as a novel therapeutic option for RA.