Effect of key enzyme inhibition of glycolysis on synovial fibroblasts in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

Objective: To observe effects of glycolysis on human rheumatoid arthritis Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (HFLS-RA) by inhibiting glycolysis. Methods: Hexokinase inhibitor (3-bromopyruvate, 3-BrPa), 6-phosphofructokinase 1 inhibitor citric acid and pyruvate kinase inhibitor shikonin were applied to HFLS-RA respectively. Cell count 8 Kit detects cell proliferation activity, the activity of hexokinase, 6-phosphofructokinase 1, and pyruvate kinase, as well as the cellular glucose, lactate and ATP content were detected by kits, and the ELISA kit detects the expression of cellular inflammatory factors TNF-α and TGF-β. Results: 10 μg/mL 3-BrPa, 160 μg/mL citric acid and 5 μg/mL shikonin significantly inhibited cell proliferation activity (P<0.001); and significantly inhibited HFLS-RA hexokinase and fructose 6-phosphate Kinase 1 and pyruvate kinase activity; Glucose, lactate and ATP content decreased; TNF-α expression decreased, while TGF-β expression increased. Conclusion: This study explored the changes in glucose metabolism and the expression of inflammatory factors in HFLS-RA by inhibiting the key enzymes of glycolysis, further confirming the important role of glycolysis in HFLS-RA, and laying a theoretical basis for a deep understanding of the pathogenesis of RA.