Effect of a gout formula on the circumference of the ankle joint and the level of tumor necrosis factor TNF-α in joint fluid of rats with acute gouty arthritis

Abstract

Objective: To reveal part of the mechanism of gout remedy for acute gouty arthritis. Methods: Sixty rats were randomly divided into six groups: blank, model, colchicine, high-dose, medium-dose and low-dose group. After modeling, the colchicine group was given a concentration of 0.1 mg/mL colchicine per 200 g rat per gavage, and the low, medium and high dose group were given 0.5, 1 and 2 g/mL of raw herbs containing the gout formula per gavage for 5 d, respectively. The swelling of joints and the change of TNF-α in joint fluid were observed in each group. Results: Except for the blank group, the swelling of joint circumference was obvious in all the groups 1 day after modeling, and the difference was statistically significant before and after modeling (P<0. 05). On the 6th day after modeling, the circumference of the joint in the model group was significantly larger than that in the colchicine, high-dose, medium-dose and low-dose groups (P<0. 05), respectively, and there was no statistically significant difference in the circumference of the joint between the blank group and each drug treatment group (P>0. 05). The concentration of the cellular inflammatory factor TNF-α in the joint fluid of the model group was significantly higher than that of the blank group and the drug treatment group (P<0.01), and there was no significant difference in the concentration of TNF-α between the high-dose group, the colchicine group and the blank group (P>0.05). Conclusion: Gout test formula can significantly reduce the concentration of inflammatory factor TNF-α in the joints of rats with acute gouty arthritis, block the further development of inflammation and relieve the joint swelling of rats, which is one of the mechanisms of its ability to treat acute gouty arthritis.