Antimigratory, Anti-Invasive and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Bergenin in Rheumatoid Arthritis by Downregulating the Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway.

BACKGROUND

This study investigates antimigratory, anti-invasive, and anti-inflammatory mechanisms of Bergenin in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by focusing on the pathways involved.

METHODS

In vitro, TNF-α-induced MH7A cells were used to assess Bergenin's effects on cell proliferation (CCK-8), migration (wound healing, Transwell assays), and apoptosis (flow cytometry). mRNA levels of IL-6 and MMPs were quantified by qRT-PCR, and protein expression was analyzed using ELISA and western blot. The Wnt/β-catenin pathway was examined through immunofluorescence and western blotting with or without LiCl. An adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) rat model was used to monitor clinical symptoms and analyze synovial tissue.

RESULTS

Bergenin inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of TNF-α-induced MH7A cells, while promoting apoptosis. It reduced IL-6 and MMPs expression, with these effects reversed by LiCl. In vivo, Bergenin alleviated paw swelling, arthritis score, and synovial pathology in AIA rats, reducing pro-inflammatory factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Bergenin exerts antimigratory, anti-invasive, and anti-inflammatory effects in rheumatoid arthritis by modulating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic option for rheumatoid arthritis.