Abstract
Norwogonin is a flavonoid extraction derived from Scutellaria baicalensis. However, its potential mechanisms in the context of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are unclear. This study investigates the specific effects and associated targets of Norwogonin in RA-related inflammatory osteolysis. Network pharmacology was conducted to analyse the core targets and signalling pathways of Norwogonin in RA. In vitro experiments were carried out to explore the actual effects of Norwogonin on osteoclast behaviours and related signalling mechanisms. In vivo studies further validated the therapeutic effect of Norwogonin in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mice. The network pharmacological analysis identified 18 shared targets between Norwogonin and RA, indicating a connection with inflammatory response and oxidoreductase activity. For biological validations, the results of in vitro experiments revealed 160 μM of Norwogonin inhibited LPS-driven osteoclast differentiation and function. The qPCR assay and Western blot analysis also disclosed consistently diminished changes to osteoclastic marker genes and proteins due to Norwogonin treatment, including those for osteoclast differentiation (Traf6, Tnfrsf11a and Nfatc1), fusion (Atp6v0d2, Dcstamp and Ocstamp) and function (Mmp9, Ctsk and Acp5). Further mechanism study revealed Norwogonin suppressed LPS-driven ROS production and calcium (Ca2+) oscillations. Also, intraperitoneal injection of 30 mg/kg Norwogonin every other day successfully mitigated clinical arthritis progression and attenuated bone destruction in the CIA model. Our study scrutinises Norwogonin's therapeutic prospects in treating RA and illustrates its inhibitory effects and potential mechanism within LPS-induced osteoclastogenesis and CIA mice, providing a basis for further translational research on Norwogonin in the treatment of RA-related inflammatory osteolysis.