The effects of laser acupuncture on the modulation of cartilage extracellular matrix macromolecules in rats with adjuvant-induced arthritis.

Wen-Chi Chen,Chuen-Mao Yang,Yueh-Ling Hsieh,Tien-Chien Pan,Yu-Hsin Tsai

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0211341

Wen-Chi Chen, Chuen-Mao Yang + Show 3 more

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https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0211341

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Abstract

ObjectivesArticular cartilage damage related to irreversible physical disability affects most patients with chronic rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Strategies targeting the preservation of cartilage function are needed. Laser acupuncture (LA) can be an emerging alternative therapy for RA; however, its molecular mechanism underlying the beneficial effect on cartilage has not been elucidated. This study aimed to examine the potential chondroprotective effects of LA on extracellular matrix (ECM) macromolecules and proinflammatory cytokines in the articular cartilage of adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) rats and explore its related mechanisms.DesignMonoarthritis was induced in adult male Sprague–Dawley rats (250–300 g) via intraarticular injection of complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) into the tibiotarsal joint. Animals were treated with LA at BL60 and KI3 acupoints three days after CFA administration with a 780 nm GaAlAs laser at 15 J/cm2 daily for ten days. The main outcome measures including paw circumference, paw withdrawal threshold, histopathology and immunoassays of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), collagen type II (CoII), cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) were analyzed.ResultsLA significantly reduced ankle edema and inflammation-induced hyperalgesia in AIA rats (P < 0.05). Moreover, the TNF-α levels were significantly decreased while CoII, COMP and proteoglycans proteins were significantly enhanced following LA stimulation of the AIA cartilage compared to those treated with sham-LA (P < 0.05).ConclusionsLA attenuates cartilage degradation in AIA rat by suppressing TNF-α activation and up-regulating ECM macromolecules, suggesting LA might be of potential clinical interest in RA treatment.

Highlights

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by persistent synovial inflammation and hyperplasia, which eventually lead to articular cartilage destruction and disability [1]
laser acupuncture (LA) attenuates cartilage degradation in adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) rat by suppressing tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) activation and up-regulating extracellular matrix (ECM) macromolecules, suggesting LA might be of potential clinical interest in RA treatment
Following LA treatment, significant decreases in circumference of arthritic paws were observed in the LA group compared to those of pre-treatment

Summary

Introduction

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by persistent synovial inflammation and hyperplasia, which eventually lead to articular cartilage destruction and disability [1]. Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein/thrombospondin-5 (COMP/ TSP5) is an abundant cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM) protein produced by the cartilage as an original molecular marker of cartilage [4]. It can interact with major cartilage ECM components and collagens to maintain cartilage integrity and regulate chondrocyte function and cell death [5]. It is known tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in synovial fluid plays an essential role in the inflammatory pathogenesis of RA. In RA, many pathological factors including proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α overexpression, degradation of proteoglycan, breakdown of the collagen network and several other factors result in an imbalance between anabolic and catabolic processes of extracellular matrix (ECM), inducing cartilage destruction [6]

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