| Objective To investigate whether artesunate can inhibit bone destruction and prevent osteoporosis in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rats and its possible mechanism. Methods The rats were randomly divided into blank control group, CIA model control group, MTX group, artesunate group, methyl prednisolone group (MP), and rhTNFR:Fc group. Drugs were given intragastrically in each group. Molybdenum target radiography was performed in rat limb joints and scored. Blood and urine samples were collected for the test of calcium, phosphorus content. Meanwhile, the content of deoxypyridinoline (DPD), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteoprotegerin (OPG) in blood and urine was examined. Total bone of the rats was scanned using bone densitometry. Results Comparison among artesunate group, methyl prednisolone group, MTX group, and CIA group was of statistical significance (P<0.01). Comparison between data of 21 weeks and data of 10 weeks was not statistical significance. Comparison of data between those in rhTNFR:Fc group and in healthy group was not statistical significance, but was statistically significant comparing with other drug intervention groups. All testing data between 21 weeks and 10 weeks in CIA model control group, MTX group, and MP group were statistically significant (P<0.01). The measurement of bone mineral density suggested that MP and MTX did not inhibit the occurrence of osteoporosis in 10 and 21 weeks, while artesunate and rhTNFR:Fc prevented the occurrence of osteoporosis in 10 and 21 weeks. Radiographic data also showed that artesunate and rhTNFR:Fc prevented CIA rats from the occurrence of osteoporosis. Conclusion Artesunate significantly inhibit bone destruction and prevent CIA rats from osteoporosis, with the possible mechanism of inhibition of TNF-α secretion and the influence in OPG/RANK/RANKL signaling system thereby blocking the formation and activation of osteoclasts. |