Effect of Folic Acid Conjugated Silver Nanoparticles in Treatment of RA Like Adjuvant Arthritis in Rats

Abstract

Objective: Nano medicine has become one of the promising research areas, opening new horizons in disease diagnosis and treatment. Recent years have witnessed a surge in the development of Nano medicine for combating rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the most common autoimmune arthritis. RA is characterized by progressive inflammation and persistent synovitis, leading to joint destruction, functional incapability, and ultimately disability. Although there has been a tremendous evolution in disease assessment and treatment, many patients still fail to attain remission. Therefore, developing new drugs that specifically target inflamed joints and simultaneously attenuate other possible damages to healthy tissues is indispensable. This study was done to evaluate the potential of folic acid conjugated silver nanoparticles (FA-AgNPs) as RA therapy. Methods: In the CFA-arthritic rat model, FA-AgNPs & methotrexate were administered for 8 consecutive weeks. Therapeutic efficacy was evaluated by measuring paw volume, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels. For safety concerns, complete blood picture (CBC), liver and renal function tests were evaluated. Joints histological assessment was also carried out. Results: FA-AgNPs significantly reduced paw volume, paw weight, ESR, CRP, RF, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels compared with arthritic non-treated rats, demonstrating good anti-inflammatory activity. Likewise, histology of tarsal joints depicted comparatively lesser inflammatory cellular infiltration and diminished cartilage erosions. Methotrexate displayed comparable results. In contrast to methotrexate, FA-AgNPs showed normal CBC & significantly improved liver and renal function tests. Conclusion: FA-AgNPs exhibited substantial anti-arthritic activity. This notable anti-arthritic potential of FA-AgNPs was as good as the current standard treatment of methotrexate (MTX) with higher biosafety.