Protective Effect of an Extract fromAscaris suumin Experimental Arthritis Models

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
We investigated the effect of an extract from a helminth (Ascaris suum) in zymosan-induced arthritis (ZYA) or collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). Rats and mice, respectively, received 1 mg and 0.1 mg zymosan intra-articularly (i.a.). Test groups received anA. suumextract either per os (p.o.) or intraperitoneally (i.p.) 30 min prior to i.a. zymosan. Controls received saline. Hypernociception was measured using the articular incapacitation test. Cell influx, nitrite, and cytokine levels were assessed in joint exudates. The synovia and distal femoral extremities were used for histopathology. Cartilage damage was assessed through determining glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content. DBA/1J mice were subjected to CIA. The test group receivedA. suumextract i.p. 1 day after CIA became clinically detectable. Clinical severity and hypernociception were assessed daily. Neutrophil influx was determined using myeloperoxidase activity. TheA. suumextract, either i.p. or p.o., significantly and dose-dependently inhibited cell influx and hypernociception in ZYA in addition to reducing GAG loss and ameliorating synovitis. TheA. suumextract reduced i.a. levels of NO, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and IL-10 but not tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in rats subjected to ZYA while reducing i.a. IL-10, but not IL-1β or TNF-α, levels in mice. Clinically, mice subjected to CIA treated with theA. suumextract had less severe arthritis. Hypernociception, myeloperoxidase activity, and synovitis severity were significantly reduced. These data show that a helminth extract given p.o. protects from arthritis severity in two classical arthritis models. ThisA. suumeffect is species independent and functions orally and parenterally. The results show clinical and structural benefits whenA. suumextract is given either prophylactically or therapeutically.