Novel antiarthritic mechanisms of Azelaic acid against CFA-induced arthritis in rats by modulating pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines network.

An immunologic system attacking the body's own tissues is a hallmark of autoimmune disorders, which encompass a wide range of unique conditions. Numerous essential biologic functions, including the regulation of the immune system, inflammation, cell division, and tissue repair, are carried out by cytokines. Natural compounds are an effective treatment for autoimmune illnesses by modulation of inflammatory cytokines and infiltration of leukocytes into the inflamed tissue. Here, anti-arthritic study was carried out using oral administration of Azelaic acid (AzA) for 28 days with doses (20, 40, and 80 mg/kg) in Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA) induced arthritis model. AzA ameliorated the adjuvant-induced arthritis by decreasing arthritic score, paw volume, improved body-weight alterations and serum levels of PGE2, 5-LOX and anti-ccp. AzA showed significant down regulation of NF-κB, COX-II, TNF-α, IL-17, IL-1β, IL-6, and up regulation of IL4 and IL10. Hemoglobin and RBCs count remarkably increased and ESR, CRP, platelets, WBCs levels markedly reduced in post treatment. In addition, the weakened SOD (superoxide dismutase), Catalase (CAT), Glutathione (GSH) activity and the increased levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) were all reversed by AzA treatment. And showed improved radiographical and histologic alterations in the structure of the joints. Molecular docking studies targeting COX-II, iNOS, TNF-α, 5-LOX, IL4, IL10, IL-6, and IL-17 establish a correlation between theoretical and experimental results. Results showed that AzA inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines (COX-II, TNF-α, 5-LOX, IL-17, NF-κB, IL-1β, and IL-6) and increase anti-inflammatory cytokines, which supported the anti-arthritic and immunomodulatory potential of AzA.