Danggui Niantong decoction ameliorates joint inflammation and cardiopulmonary injury in TNF-Tg mice

Abstract

Objective: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common autoimmune disease characterized by multiple joint lesions and systemic complications. Danggui Niantong decoction (DGNTT) has been clinically used for RA treatment; however, its beneficial effect on cardiopulmonary complications has not been reported. Methods: Female tumor necrosis factor-transgenic (TNF-Tg) mice were used to evaluate the therapeutic effects of DGNTT on arthritis and cardiopulmonary complications. Methotrexate (MTX) served as a positive control. Histopathological assessment of the joint sections was performed using hematoxylin and eosin (HE), Alcian Blue/Orange G, and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining. Bone mass was assessed by micro-computed tomography, inflammatory infiltrates in the heart and lungs were evaluated by HE staining, cardiopulmonary fibrotic injury was identified by Masson’s trichrome staining, and hypertrophy of mouse cardiomyocytes was measured by wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) staining. Results: DGNTT mitigated the inflammation of the ankle joint synovium, decreased the number of osteoclasts, and increased the area of cartilage and bone mass in TNF-Tg mice. In addition, DGNTT decreased the infiltration of inflammatory cells into the lung and heart tissues, accompanied by a reduction in cardiopulmonary fibrosis and myocardial cell hypertrophy in TNF-Tg mice. As a positive control drug, MTX attenuated the pathological changes in joints, but had no beneficial effect on cardiopulmonary inflammation and fibrosis in TNF-Tg mice. Conclusions: DGNTT improved joint lesions and alleviated cardiopulmonary complications in TNF-Tg mice.