Effect of Allopurinol and Vitamin E on Rat Model of Rheumatoid Arthritis Abstract: Objectives: Rat collagen IIinduced arthritis is a model of chronic inammation induced by mycobacterium butyricum and collagen

Objectives: Rat collagen II–induced arthritis is a model of chronic inammation induced by mycobacterium butyricum and collagen II. It is characterized by similar pathophysiological and pathobiochemical changes as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in humans. In the present study, the biochemical effects of vitamin E and allopurinol (Allo) on RA of rats were investigated. Methods: Forty male rats were divided into four groups (10 rats each): control group, collagen II-induced RA group (CII group), CII group treated with allopurinol (CII+ Allo ), and CII group treated with vitamin E (CII + Vit E). After 6 weeks of treatment, the plasma levels of lipid peroxides (LPO), nitric oxide (NO), ceruloplasmin (CP), superoxide dismutase (SOD), uric acid (UA) and glutathione (GSH) were detected using colorimetric methods. The plasma levels of PGE2 were measured using ELISA assay. The plasma levels of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) were determined using atomic absorption spectrometer. Results: In CII treated group, the levels of LPO, NO, PGE2, UA, CP and Cu were signicantly higher, but the levels of SOD, GSH and Zn were signicantly lower than controls. In CII + Allo treated group, the levels of SOD and GSH were signicantly increased, but the levels of PGE2, LPO, NO, UA, Cu and CP were signicantly decreased in comparison with CII–treated group. The levels of SOD, GSH and Zn were signicantly increased, but the levels of PGE2, NO and CP were signicantly decreased in the vitamin E treated group in comparison with CII–treated group. The levels of PGE2, LPO, Cu and Zn were signicantly lower in vitamin E treated group than Allo-treated group. In conclusion, the study suggests that proper antioxidant intake management may reduce free radical generation and improve antioxidant status in RA. Allopurinol and vitamins E may effectively normalize in different degrees the impaired the oxidant/antioxidant system and may be useful in delaying the complication of RA. Moreover, they display anti-inammatory action by decreasing PGE2 level in RA.