Soufeng sanjie formula alleviates collagen-induced arthritis in mice by inhibiting Th17 cell differentiation

Abstract Background Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease. Soufeng sanjie formula (SF), which composed of scolopendra (dried body Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans L. Koch), scorpion Buthus martensii Karsch), astragali radix root Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge), and black soybean seed coats (seed Glycine max (L.) Merr), traditional Chinese prescription for treating RA. However, the mechanism SF in RA remains unclear. This study was aim to investigate anti-arthritic effects collagen-induced (CIA) mouse model explore by alleviates CIA mice. Methods For vivo studies, female DBA/1J mice were used establish model, either (183 or 550 mg/kg/day) methotrexate (MTX, 920 mg/kg, twice/week) orally administered from day onset. After administration 30 days, degree ankle joint destruction serum levels IgG inflammatory cytokines determined. The balance Th17/Treg cells spleen lymph nodes analyzed using flow cytometry. Moreover, expression retinoic acid receptor-related orphan nuclear receptor (ROR) γt phosphorylated STAT3 (pSTAT3, Tyr705) detected immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, effect on Th17 differentiation vitro investigated CD4 + T under polarization conditions. Results decreased score, ameliorated paw swelling, reduced cartilage loss In addition, bovine collagen-specific sera (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-17A) increased level IL-10 both treatment rebalanced ratio also ROR pSTAT3 (Tyr705) vitro, cell generation IL-17A production inhibited RORγt, IRF4, IL-17A, Conclusions Our results suggest that exhibits restores homeostasis inhibiting differentiation.