| Objective To explore the mechanism by which the Yiqi Juanbi Formula modulates the Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK2/STAT3) signaling pathway in relation to synovial inflammation in rats with rheumatoid arthritis (CIA). Methods The experiment used SD rats, which were randomly divided into 7 groups, including a blank group, a model group, a methotrexate group, a triptolide tablets group, and low, medium, and high-dose groups of the Qi Gui Ming decoction. The arthritis index and degree of joint swelling were observed every 7 days; hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the tissue of the ankle joint; enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect serum interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and gamma interferon (INF-γ); real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and protein immunoblotting (Western Blot) were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression of Janus kinase 2 (JAK2), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), cytokine signal inhibitor 1 (SOCS1), and 3 (SOCS3); immunohistochemistry was used to detect matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) and 13 (MMP-13) . Results The methotrexate group, the high-dose group of the Yiqi Juanbi Formula, and the tripterygium glycosides tablet group decreased the levels of serum IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, and INF-γ (P<0.05, P<0.01); the tripterygium glycosides tablet group and the medium and high-dose groups of the Yiqi Juanbi Formula decreased the mRNA and protein expressions of JAK2 and STAT3 (P<0.05, P<0.01), and increased the mRNA and protein expressions of SOCS1 and SOCS3 (P<0.05, P<0.01); the methotrexate group, the tripterygium glycosides tablet group, and the medium and high-dose groups of the Yiqi Juanbi Formula decreased the positive expression area of MMP-9 and MMP-13 proteins (P<0.05,P<0.01), alleviated synovial cell proliferation, and reduced inflammatory cell infiltration.Conclusion By inhibiting the activation of JAK2/STAT3 signalling pathway, Yiqi Remission Formula improves the inflammatory environment of joints and inhibits synovial proliferation, achieving the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. |