Conclusion
NOR demonstrates protective effects in RA rats by reducing inflammation, oxidative stress, and extracellular matrix degradation, offering promise as a therapeutic option to manage RA pathology comprehensively.
Discussion
These findings suggest that NOR's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties contribute to reducing both inflammation and the overall severity of RA. NOR's multifaceted actions support its potential as a novel therapeutic agent for RA. Conclusion: NOR demonstrates protective effects in RA rats by reducing inflammation, oxidative stress, and extracellular matrix degradation, offering promise as a therapeutic option to manage RA pathology comprehensively.
Methods
Rats were divided into five groups: normal control (G1), RA model (G2), NOR-treated groups at 15 mg/kg (G3) and 30 mg/kg (G4), and methotrexate-treated group (G5). NOR's anti-arthritic effects were assessed by measuring clinical arthritis scores and inflammatory markers (RF, CRP, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10). Oxidative stress markers (MDA, SOD, catalase, GPx) and pathways (NF-κB/IKKβ and Nrf2/Keap1) were also evaluated. Histopathology assessed synovial inflammation and tissue degradation.
Results
NOR treatment significantly reduced arthritis severity, as evidenced by decreased clinical arthritis scores and inflammatory markers in RA rats. NOR also exhibited strong antioxidant effects, demonstrated by decreased MDA levels and enhanced SOD, catalase, and GPx activities. NOR further downregulated matrix metalloproteinases (Mmp-2, Mmp-3), aggrecanases (Adamts-4, Adamts-5), and PCNA expression. Histopathology confirmed marked reductions in synovial inflammation and tissue damage in NOR-treated groups.