기혈소통환(氣血疏通丸)이 Monosodium iodoacetate로 골관절염(骨關節炎)을 유도(誘導)한 랫드에 미치는 영향(影響)

Objectives : In cases of osteoarthritis, the hypofunction of the cartilage and joint leads to a limited range of joint motion, swelling, and pain, which is generally treated using pharmaceutical drugs (e.g., anti-inflammatory agents, cartilage protectants, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) or replacement arthroplasty. However, long-term drug treatment is associated with adverse effects on the gastrointestinal systems. The present study aimed to evaluate the ability of Giheolsotong-hwan to treat of osteoarthritis symptoms in the MIA-induced rat model based on histological analysis, and factors that are associated with inflammation and bone mineral metabolism. Methods : Giheolsotong-hwan was administered orally at doses of 200 ㎎/㎏/day or 400 ㎎/㎏/day for 2 weeks before direct injection of monosodium iodoacetate (3 ㎎/50㎕ of 0.9% saline) into the intra-articular space of the rats’ right knee. The rats subsequently received the same doses of oral Giheolsotong-hwan for another 4 weeks. We evaluated the treatment effects based on serum biomarkers and histopathological analysis of the knee joints. Results : Compared to those in control rats, the Giheolsotong-hwan treatments significantly decreased the serum concentration of inflammation factors (i.e., IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, PGE 2 , and LTB 4 ), and bone degrade factors (i.e., MMP-9, CTX-Ⅱ, and COMP). In addition, the Giheolsotong-hwan treatments significantly increased the concentration of glycosaminoglycans of bone defence factors, but no chage the TIMP-1. Furthermore, the Giheolsotong-hwan treatments effectively preserved the knee cartilage and proteoglycan. Conclusion : The results indicate that Giheolsotong-hwan treated osteoarthritis symptoms. Thus, Giheolsotonghwan may be a novel oriental therapeutic option for the management of osteoarthritis.