Danggui Niantong Decoction ameliorates joint inflammation and cardiopulmonary injury in TNF-Tg mice

Abstract

Objective: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common autoimmune disease characterized by multiple joint lesions and systemic complications. Danggui Niantong Decoction (DGNTT) has been clinically used for RA treatment; however, its beneficial effect on cardiopulmonary complications has not been reported. Methods: Female tumor necrosis factor-transgenic (TNF-Tg) mice were used to evaluate the therapeutic effects of DGNTT on arthritis and cardiopulmonary complications. Methotrexate (MTX) served as a positive control. Histopathological assessment of the joint sections was performed using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), Alcian Blue/Orange G (ABOG), and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining. Bone mass was assessed by micro-computed tomography (CT), inflammatory infiltrates in the heart and lungs were evaluated by H&E staining, cardiopulmonary fibrotic injury was identified by Masson’s trichrome staining, and hypertrophy of mouse cardiomyocytes was measured by wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) staining. Results: DGNTT mitigated the inflammation of the ankle joint synovium, decreased the number of osteoclasts, and increased the area of cartilage and bone mass in TNF-Tg mice. In addition, DGNTT decreased the infiltration of inflammatory cells into the lung and heart tissues, accompanied by a reduction in cardiopulmonary fibrosis and myocardial cell hypertrophy in TNF-Tg mice. As a positive control drug, MTX attenuated the pathological changes in joints, but had no beneficial effect on cardiopulmonary inflammation and fibrosis in TNF-Tg mice. Conclusion: DGNTT improved joint lesions and alleviated cardiopulmonary complications in TNF-Tg mice.