Abstract
Exercise therapy inhibits joint destruction by suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines. The efficacy of pharmacotherapy for rheumatoid arthritis differs depending on the phase of the disease, but that of exercise therapy for each phase is unknown. We assessed the differences in the efficacy of treadmill running on rheumatoid arthritis at various phases, using rat rheumatoid arthritis models. Rats with collagen-induced arthritis were used as rheumatoid arthritis models, and the phase after immunization was divided as pre-arthritis and established phases. Histologically, the groups with forced treadmill running in the established phase had significantly inhibited joint destruction compared with the other groups. The group with forced treadmill running in only the established phase had significantly better bone morphometry and reduced expression of connexin 43 and tumor necrosis factor α in the synovial membranes compared with the no treadmill group. Furthermore, few cells were positive for cathepsin K immunostaining in the groups with forced treadmill running in the established phase. Our results suggest that the efficacy of exercise therapy may differ depending on rheumatoid arthritis disease activity. Active exercise during phases of decreased disease activity may effectively inhibit arthritis and joint destruction.
Highlights
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder that affects the synovial membranes
RA affects major internal organs, including the heart, lungs, liver, and brain [4]. The progress of these arthritic and systemic symptoms reduces patients’ activities of daily living (ADL), and because it causes a variety of disabilities, RA is a disease of public health importance, and it must be managed as such
Treadmill running in rat RA models was reported to inhibit the production of connexin 43 (Cx43) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in the synovial membranes, as well as prevent the degeneration of articular cartilage and subchondral bone [17]
Summary
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder that affects the synovial membranes. RA affects major internal organs, including the heart, lungs, liver, and brain [4] The progress of these arthritic and systemic symptoms reduces patients’ activities of daily living (ADL), and because it causes a variety of disabilities, RA is a disease of public health importance, and it must be managed as such. Exploring other modalities of treatment of RA is becoming increasingly important One of such methods is exercise therapy. Treadmill running in rat RA models was reported to inhibit the production of connexin 43 (Cx43) and TNF-α in the synovial membranes, as well as prevent the degeneration of articular cartilage and subchondral bone [17]. It was revealed that exercise therapy inhibits joint destruction through bio-molecular mechanisms by suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines
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