Modulatory effects of methyl gallate on the inflammatory response in gout arthritis via P2X7 receptor.

Gout is an inflammatory disease caused by monosodium urate (MSU) crystal deposition, triggering NLRP3 inflammasome activation, interleukin-1β (IL-1β) release, and P2X7 receptor-mediated amplification of inflammation. This study evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of methyl gallate (MG) and its interaction with the P2X7 receptor. MG reduced IL-1β production in activated macrophages, inhibited P2X7-dependent membrane pore formation, and produced effects similar to those of the selective P2X7 antagonist A740003. In a murine gout model, MG decreased joint edema, leukocyte accumulation, and IL-1β levels. Computational analyses demonstrated stable MG binding to P2X7, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic candidate for gout treatment.