Anti-inflammatory activity of extracts of Bushen-Qiangdu-Zhilv decoction, a Chinese medicinal formula, in M1-polarized RAW264.7.

Run-Yue Huang,Xiao-Hong He,Xiong Li,Jun Cai,Yi-Ting He,Jie-Hua Lin,Chuan-Li Lu,Ying-Yan Zhou

doi:10.1186/1472-6882-14-268

Abstract

BackgroundBushen-Qiangdu-Zhilv Decoction (BQZ) is one of famous traditional Chinese medical formula for treating ankylosing spondylitis (AS). However, the mechanisms underlying effects of BQZ remains unknown. Pro-inflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-1, play an important role in AS. We therefore evaluated if BQZ could affect the expression of these cytokines.MethodsCrude extracts were prepared and fractioned with petroleum ether (PE), ethyl acetate (EA), n-butanol (BU) and finally water (ACE). The stability of the extracts was confirmed by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. M1-polarized RAW264.7 was induced and subsequently treated with BQZ extracts. Quantitative real-time PCR experiments were performed to measure mRNA expression of TNF-α and IL-1.ResultsIt was found that TNF-α could be significantly suppressed by ACE extracts, whereas IL-1 was dramatically inhibited by BU extracts, which was further confirmed by dose-dependent experiments. Importantly, MTS assays showed that both ACE and BU extracts had a low cytotoxicity.ConclusionAltogether, our study indicates that BQZ decoction exerts anti-AS effects via its anti-inflammatory activity and may have a low side-effect. Further analysis of the extracts of BQZ decoction could lead to a discovery of some novel drugs adding to therapeutic strategy for AS patients.

Highlights

Bushen-Qiangdu-Zhilv Decoction (BQZ) is one of famous traditional Chinese medical formula for treating ankylosing spondylitis (AS)
In vitro M1 macrophage polarization M1 macrophage phenotype was induced on RAW264.7 by stimulating with 100 ng/ml IFN-γ for 24 h (Figure 1A)
The overall polarization of RAW264.7 shifted to M1, as inducible nitric oxide synthase expression increased and arginase (Arg)-1 expression decreased (Figure 1C) [12]

Summary

Introduction

Bushen-Qiangdu-Zhilv Decoction (BQZ) is one of famous traditional Chinese medical formula for treating ankylosing spondylitis (AS). The mechanisms underlying effects of BQZ remains unknown. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), such as sulfasalazine and methotrexate, are only recommended for treating AS with peripheral arthritis or extra-articular features [3,4]. Modified BQZ decoction has been demonstrated to be more effective than sulfasalazine, a typical DMARD for treating AS, in relieving clinical symptoms and signs as well as inflammatory activity indicators of AS patients [10]. The mechanisms underlying BQZ decoction effects remains unclear. In this study, the crude extracts of BQZ decoction was prepared and fractioned, and effects of crude extracts of BQZ decoction on pro-inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α and interleukin (IL)-1, were determined

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion