Potential of plant stress hormone methyl Jasmonate against lipopolysaccharide attenuated oxidative stress and arthritis in experimental animals

Abstract

Introduction: Methyl jasmonate is a plant stress hormone indicated in the treatment of various cancers. The purpose of the current study is to investigate the anti-arthritic and antioxidant activity in experimental animals. Materials and Methods: Methyl jasmonate was screened in two doses (20 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg) against lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced arthritis in rats. The assessment of arthritis such as paw thickness, paw volume, and body weight was assessed on 0th, 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th days. The percent change in paw thickness, body weight, and arthritis index was calculated on 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th days. The estimation of serum marker enzymes such as alkaline phosphatase, alanine transaminase, and aspartate aminotransferase was carried out on 14th and 28th days. The antioxidant enzyme such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, GST, glutathione peroxidase, and lipid peroxidation activity in articular cartilage tissues was carried out on the 28th day. White blood cell (WBC), red blood cell (RBC), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were determined on the 28th day. Free radical scavenging activity was carried out using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method and alpha-tocopherol used as a standard for comparison. After completion of the treatment period, tarsal-metatarsal joints were subjected to histopathology. Results: MJ significantly reduces arthritis which was evident from the assessment of arthritis such as paw volume, paw thickness, arthritis index, and body weight. Significant reduction in lipid peroxidation and serum marker enzymes was observed in MJ-treated rats as compared to the disease control group. Significant antioxidant activity was exhibited by MJ-treated group. Dose-dependent DPPH radical scavenging was observed which assess free radical scavenging potential of MJ. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and WBC count are significantly reduced whereas RBC count was compensated similarly to control compared to the diseased group. Conclusion: Methyl jasmonate exhibits significant anti-arthritic and antioxidant activity through a reduction in paw volume, thickness, serum marker enzyme, ESR, WBC count, increase in RBC count, and gain in body weight. The reduction in inflammation and cell damage may be due to antioxidant, free radical scavenging, and antilipid peroxidative effect which is supported by histopathological studies.