Tougu Xiaotong capsules may inhibit p38 MAPK pathway-mediated inflammation: In vivo and in vitro verification

Abstract Ethnopharmacological relevance Tougu Xiaotong capsules (TXC) are an herbal compound commonly used to treat osteoarthritis (OA) in China. Aim of the study We attempted to verify TXC's therapeutic effects and mechanisms related to the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway in vivo and in vitro. Materials and methods TXC's therapeutic effects were assessed by observing cartilage degeneration and inflammatory factors in a modified Hulth's model (in vivo) and a lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-exposed cellular model (in vitro). The expression of biomarkers related to p38 MAPK pathway-mediated inflammation was also investigated. Results TXC treatment reversed cartilage degeneration related biomarkers (ADAMTS 4, ADAMTS 5, Col I, Col V, MMP 3, MMP 9, and MMP 13) and inflammation factors (IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6) in both the animal and cellular OA models. Expression of p-p38 MAPK was downregulated following TXC administration, and changes to microRNAs in the cellular models were recovered. These results indicated that the p38 MAPK pathway-related mechanism may involve therapeutic effects of TXC. Conclusions This study verified TXC's efficacy to treat OA in vivo and in vitro and suggests that p38 MAPK pathway-related mechanisms may be involved in TXC's therapeutic effects.