| Objective To explore the mechanism of Gulao Yukang Pills on rheumatoid arthritis model rats based on JAK3/STAT3 signaling pathway. Methods 60 Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal control (Control) group, model (CIA) group, Gulao Yukang Pills (GL) group, Gulao Yukang Pills+JAK receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor AG490 (GL+AG490) group, and JAK receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor AG490 (GL+AG490) group. In the AG490 (AG490) group, an amino-kinase inhibitor, except the normal control group, the other 4 groups established collagen-induced rheumatoid arthritis (CIA) rat models. The levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-17 in serum were detected by ELISA, and the proteins of JAK3 and STAT3 in ankle cartilage and synovial tissue were detected by immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR. Results Compared with the Control group, the ankle joints of the CIA group, GL group, GL+AG490 group and AG490 group were significantly swollen, accompanied by joint deformity, the activity of the rats was significantly reduced, lameness, dull hair color, and weight loss; The levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-17 were significantly increased; the protein expressions of JAK3 and STAT3 were significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the CIA group, the levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-17 in the serum of the rats in each treatment group were decreased; the protein and mRNA expressions of JAK3 and STAT3 were down-regulated (P<0.05). Conclusion Gulao Yukang Pills can reduce the inflammatory response of RA, and its mechanism of action may be related to the inhibition of JAK3/STAT3 signaling pathway and its downstream gene protein expression. |