Effects of Different Compatibility of Gentianae Macrophyllae Radix on IL-6 and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Rheumatoid Arthritis Rats with Wind-cold-dampness Arthralgia

SU Shan, WANG Rong, ZHAO Min, WU Chen, GAO Huiqin

SU Shan, WANG Rong, ZHAO Min, WU Chen, GAO Huiqin

Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou 730000, China

Abstract: Objective To observe the effects of different compatibility of Gentianae Macrophyllae Radix (Qinjiao) on IL-6 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) model rats with wind-cold-dampness arthralgia. To reveal the correlation between TCM property-syndrome-effect from the perspective of TCM properties and compound compatibility theory. Methods Totally 80 healthy SD rats were randomly divided into blank control group, collage Ⅱ model group, wind-cold-dampness syndrome model group, positive control group, single-taste Qinjiao group, Qinjiao-Weilingxian group (Qinwei group), Qinjiao-Sangjisheng group (Qinsang group), Qinjiao-Fangji Group (Qinfang group), 10 rats in each group. Rat model of wind-cold-dampness type RA was established by injecting type Ⅱ collagen emulsion and applying wind-cold-dampness stimulus. After the establishment of the model, the blank control group, collage Ⅱ model group and wind-cold-dampness syndrome model group were given normal saline, and the corresponding liquid medicine was given to each administration group. In the experiment, the general state of rats was recorded. The thickness of the left posterior metatarsal of rats was measured every 3 days, and the swelling degree of the metatarsal was calculated. The arthritis index (AI) was evaluated on the 38th day of the experiment. The content of IL-6 in serum of rats was

detected by ELISA. Expression of VEGF in ankle joint of rats was detected by Western blot. Expression of VEGF mRNA in ankle joint was detected by RT-PCR. Results Compared with the blank group, the swelling degree, AI score, serum IL-6 content, VEGF protein expression level and VEGF mRNA expression in collage Ⅱ model group and wind-cold-dampness syndrome model group were significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with the wind-cold-dampness syndrome model group, the foot swelling degree, AI score, serum IL-6 content, ankle VEGF protein expression level and VEGF mRNA expression of administration group were decreased, and Qinwei group was the most significant (P<0.01). Conclusion For RA of wind-cold-dampness arthralgia type, the treatment efficacy of mild and warm is better than the combined effect of mild and cold TCM or mild TCM drugs. The experimental results are basically consistent with the principle of "treating cold diseases should use hot medicine" in TCM.

Keywords: Gentianae Macrophyllae Radix; wind-cold-dampness arthralgia; rheumatoid arthritis; interleukin-6; vascular endothelial growth factorarthritis; rats