Exploration of leech therapy in treating gouty rats and its uric acid lowering mechanism

Background

Gout is a hyperuricemia (HUA)-related inflammatory reaction in the joints. Leech therapy has been effective in the gout, but the exact mechanism is unclear. Objectives: In this study, an exploration of the therapeutic mechanism of leech therapy in HUA and gouty arthritis (GA) rats was done.

Material and methods

HUA and GA construction utilizing sodium urate crystal, the potassium form of oxygen oxazine acid, and adenine. Serum and tissues were collected to measure uric acid (UA), creatinine (Cr), and urea nitrogen (UN). Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay was executed to evaluate the levels of xanthine oxidase (XOD), interleukin-6 (IL-6)and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α). The expression of glucose transporter 9 (GLUT9), organic anion transporter 3 (OAT3), adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-binding cassette efflux transporter G2 (ABCG2) and the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), Toll-like Receptor 2 (TLR2) were assessed by Western blot and visualized in immunohistochemistry staining.

Results

Leech therapy reduces the levels of UA, Cr, and UN as well as the liver and serum levels of XOD activity, increasing the expressions of GLUT9, ABCG2, and OAT3 in the kidney. Meanwhile, it reduces joint swelling and lowers the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, TLR2, and NF-kB.

Conclusions

Leech therapy regulates the metabolism of uric acid and treats gouty arthritis with an anti-inflammatory effect.