n/a

Abstract Title:

Elucidation of molecular mechanisms underlying the protective effects of thymoquinone against rheumatoid arthritis.

Abstract Source:

J Cell Biochem. 2011 Jan ;112(1):107-17. PMID: 20872780

Abstract Author(s):

France Vaillancourt, Patrick Silva, Qin Shi, Hassan Fahmi, Julio C Fernandes, Mohamed Benderdour

Article Affiliation:

France Vaillancourt

Abstract:

Thymoquinone (TQ) is the major active compound derived from the medicinal Nigella sativa. A few studies have shown that TQ exhibits anti-inflammatory activities in experimental models of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) through mechanisms that are not fully understood. The aim of this work was to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo effects of TQ and to investigate its influence on the major signalling pathways involved in pathophysiological RA changes. We used isolated human RA fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) and a rat adjuvant-induced arthritis model of RA. In isolated RA FLS, TQ (0-10 µM) was not cytotoxic and inhibited slightly lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced FLS proliferation and strongly H(2)O(2)-induced 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE) generation. By studying different inflammatory and catabolic factors, we determined that TQ significantly abolished LPS-induced interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα), metalloproteinase-13, cyclooxygenase-2, and prostaglandin E(2). Furthermore, LPS-induced the phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, extracellular-regulated kinases ½, and nuclear factor-kappaB-p65 were also blocked by TQ in time-dependent manner. In our experimental RA model, the oral administration of TQ 5 mg/kg/day significantly reduced the serum levels of HNE, IL-1β and TNFα as well as bone turnover markers, such as alkaline phosphatase and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase. The protective effects of TQ against RA werealso evident from the decrease in arthritis scoring and bone resorption. In conclusion, the fact that TQ abolishes a number of factors known to be involved in RA pathogenesis renders it a clinically valuable agent in the prevention of articular diseases, including RA.

Print Options


This website is for information purposes only. By providing the information contained herein we are not diagnosing, treating, curing, mitigating, or preventing any type of disease or medical condition. Before beginning any type of natural, integrative or conventional treatment regimen, it is advisable to seek the advice of a licensed healthcare professional.

© Copyright 2008-2024 GreenMedInfo.com, Journal Articles copyright of original owners, MeSH copyright NLM.