Anti-inflammatory and Pro-apoptotic Effects of 18beta-Glycyrrhetinic Acid In Vitro and In Vivo Models of Rheumatoid Arthritis

18β-Glycyrrhetinic acid (18β-GA), an active component from Glycyrrhiza glabra L. root (licorice), has been demonstrated to be able to protect against inflammatory response and reduce methotrexate (MTX)-derived toxicity. This study was therefore designed to test the therapeutic possibility of 18β-GA on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to explore the underlying mechanism. LPS or TNF-α-induced inflammatory cell models and collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) animal models were applied in this study. Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was used to measure the mRNA levels of various cytokines and FOXO family members. The protein levels of molecules in the MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway were analyzed using western blot. The cell proliferation assay and colony-forming assay were used to test the influence of 18β-GA on cell viability. The cell apoptosis assay and cell cycle assay were performed to detect the effect of 18β-GA on cell proliferative capacity by using flow cytometry. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was performed to evaluate pathological changes after drug administration. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was carried out for the detection of cytokines in serum. In vitro, we found that 18β-GA decreased the mRNA levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and COX-2 by inhibiting the MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway in MH7A and RAW264.7 cell lines. Moreover, 18β-GA was able to suppress cell viability, trigger cell apoptosis, and G1 phase cell cycle arrest in our in vitro studies. 18β-GA dramatically enhanced the mRNA level of FOXO3 in both TNF-α- and LPS-induced inflammation models in vitro. Interestingly, after analyzing GEO datasets, we found that the FOXO3 gene was significantly decreased in the RA synovial tissue as compared to healthy donors in multiple microarray studies. In vivo, 18β-GA exhibited a promising therapeutic effect in a collagen-induced arthritis mouse model by alleviating joint pathological changes and declining serum levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. Finally, we observed that 18β-GA administration could mitigate liver damage caused by collagen or MTX. Collectively, the current study demonstrates for the first time that 18β-GA can inhibit inflammation and proliferation of synovial cells, and the underlying mechanism may be associated with its inhibition of MAPK/NF-κB signaling and promotion of FOXO3 signaling. Therefore, 18β-GA is expected to be a new drug candidate for RA therapy.

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Targeting NOX4 Disrupts the Resistance of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma to Chemotherapeutic Drugs and Lenvatinib

10.21203/rs.3.rs-927196/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Ping Tang ◽

Jianfeng Sheng ◽

Xiujuan Peng ◽

Renfei Zhang ◽

Tao Xu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cell Cycle ◽

Cell Viability ◽

Cell Apoptosis ◽

Underlying Mechanism ◽

Serum Starvation ◽

Chemotherapeutic Drugs ◽

Nadph Oxidase 4 ◽

Cell Death Detection Elisaplus

Abstract Background: Advanced differentiated thyroid cancer cells are subjected to extreme nutritional starvation which contributes to develop resistance to treatments; however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear.Methods: We used 0.5% serum to mimic starvation during cell culture. A CCK8 assay, cell death Detection ELISAPLUS kit, PI staining were measured to determine cell viability, cell apoptosis and cell cycle respectively in BCPAP cells and TPC-1 cells expressing shRNA against NOX4. The cells were then treated with etoposide and doxorubicin, two chemotherapeutic drugs, as well as lenvatinib to determine the role of NOX4 in resistance. Lenvatinib-resistant BCPAP cells (LRBCs) were also established to confirm the role. Finally, GLX351322, a chemical inhibitor targeting NOX4, was used to inhibit NOX4-derived ROS and detect the the contribution of NOX4 to resistance in vitro and in vivo. Results: NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) is highly expressed under serum starvation in BCPAP or TPC-1 cells. NOX4 knockdown impairs cell viability, increases cell apoptosis, extends G1 phase in cell cycle and modulates the level of energy-associated metabolites in starved cells. When these starved cells or Lenvatinib-resistant BCPAP cells (LRBCs) are treated with chemotherapeutic drugs or Lenvatinib, NOX4 knockdown inhibits cell viability and aggravates cell apoptosis depending on NOX4-derived ROS production. GLX351322, a NOX4-derived ROS inhibitor, has a significantly inhibitory effect on cell growth in vitro and the growth of BPCPA-derived even LRBCs-derived xenografts in vivo.Conclusions: These findings highlight NOX4 and NOX4-derived ROS as a potential therapeutic target in resistance of PTC patients.

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Secreted KIAA1199 promotes the progression of rheumatoid arthritis by mediating hyaluronic acid degradation in an ANXA1-dependent manner

Cell Death and Disease ◽

10.1038/s41419-021-03393-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Wei Zhang ◽

Guoyu Yin ◽

Heping Zhao ◽

Hanzhi Ling ◽

Zhen Xie ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽

Hyaluronic Acid ◽

Dependent Manner ◽

Collagen Induced Arthritis ◽

Intracellular Degradation ◽

Main Pathway ◽

First Time

AbstractIn inflamed joints, enhanced hyaluronic acid (HA) degradation is closely related to the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). KIAA1199 has been identified as a hyaladherin that mediates the intracellular degradation of HA, but its extracellular function remains unclear. In this study, we found that the serum and synovial levels of secreted KIAA1199 (sKIAA1199) and low-molecular-weight HA (LMW-HA, MW < 100 kDa) in RA patients were significantly increased, and the positive correlation between them was shown for the first time. Of note, treatment with anti-KIAA1199 mAb effectively alleviated the severity of arthritis and reduced serum LMW-HA levels and cytokine secretion in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mice. In vitro, sKIAA1199 was shown to mediate exogenous HA degradation by attaching to the cell membrane of RA fibroblast-like synoviosytes (RA FLS). Furthermore, the HA-degrading activity of sKIAA1199 depended largely on its adhesion to the membrane, which was achieved by its G8 domain binding to ANXA1. In vivo, kiaa1199-KO mice exhibited greater resistance to collagen-induced arthritis. Interestingly, this resistance could be partially reversed by intra-articular injection of vectors encoding full-length KIAA1199 instead of G8-deleted KIAA119 mutant, which further confirmed the indispensable role of G8 domain in KIAA1199 involvement in RA pathological processes. Mechanically, the activation of NF-κB by interleukin-6 (IL-6) through PI3K/Akt signaling is suggested to be the main pathway to induce KIAA1199 expression in RA FLS. In conclusion, our study supported the contribution of sKIAA1199 to RA pathogenesis, providing a new therapeutic target for RA by blocking sKIAA1199-mediated HA degradation.

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Annexin V decreases PS-mediated macrophage efferocytosis and deteriorates elastase-induced pulmonary emphysema in mice

AJP Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology ◽

10.1152/ajplung.00066.2012 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 303 (10) ◽

pp. L852-L860 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

S. Yoshida ◽

N. Minematsu ◽

S. Chubachi ◽

H. Nakamura ◽

M. Miyazaki ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mrna Expression ◽

Cell Apoptosis ◽

Pulmonary Emphysema ◽

Keratinocyte Growth Factor ◽

Annexin V ◽

Phenotypic Change ◽

Chronic Obstructive ◽

Mrna Levels

Efferocytosis is believed to be a key regulator for lung inflammation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In this study we pharmacologically inhibited efferocytosis with annexin V and attempted to determine its impact on the progression of pulmonary emphysema in mouse. We first demonstrated in vitro and in vivo efferocytosis experiments using annexin V, an inhibitor for phosphatidylserine-mediated efferocytosis. We then inhibited efferocytosis in porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE)-treated mice. PPE-treated mice were instilled annexin V intranasally starting from day 8 until day 20. Mean linear intercept (Lm) was measured, and cell apoptosis was assessed in lung specimen obtained on day 21. Cell profile, apoptosis, and mRNA expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and growth factors were evaluated in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cells on day 15. Annexin V attenuated macrophage efferocytosis both in vitro and in vivo. PPE-treated mice had a significant higher Lm, and annexin V further increased that by 32%. More number of macrophages was found in BAL fluid in this group. Interestingly, cell apoptosis was not increased by annexin V treatment both in lung specimens and BAL fluid, but macrophages from mice treated with both PPE and annexin V expressed higher MMP-2 mRNA levels and had a trend for higher MMP-12 mRNA expression. mRNA expression of keratinocyte growth factor tended to be downregulated. We showed that inhibited efferocytosis with annexin V worsened elastase-induced pulmonary emphysema in mice, which was, at least partly, attributed to a lack of phenotypic change in macrophages toward anti-inflammatory one.

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Methylprednisolone Protects SAP and Pancreatitis-Associated ALI in Mice by Inhibiting NLRP3 Inflammasome Through NF-κB

10.21203/rs.3.rs-96231/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Chuan-jiang Liu ◽

Qiang Fu ◽

Wenjing Zhou ◽

Xu Zhang ◽

Rui Chen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Lung Tissue ◽

Nlrp3 Inflammasome ◽

Antioxidant Properties ◽

Underlying Mechanism ◽

Peritoneal Macrophages ◽

Dependent Manner ◽

Expression Levels ◽

Tnf Α

Abstract Background: Methylprednisolone (MP) is a synthetic corticosteroid with potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties used as therapy for a variety of diseases. The underlying mechanism of MP to reduce acute pancreatitis still needs to be elucidated.Methods: Twenty-four male C57BL/6 mice (6-8 weeks) were used to establish SAP mouse model by administering an intraperitoneal injection of Cae and LPS. Amylase expression levels of serum and PLF were measured with an amylase assay kit. The concentrations of IL-1β and TNF-α in the serum and PLF were detected by ELISA. The level of pancreatic and lung tissue damage and inflammation was assessed by H&E staining and immunofluorescence staining. Western blot and qPCR were used to detect the expression levels of NLRP3, IL-1β and TNF-αin vivo and in vitro.Results: In this study, we found MP, used in the early phase of SAP, decreased the levels of IL-1β and TNF-α in serum and peritoneal lavage fluids (PLF), reduced the level of serum amylase and the expression of MPO in lung tissue, attenuated the pathological injury of the pancreas and lungs in a dose-dependent manner. The expression of NLRP3 and IL-1β in pancreas and lungs was down-regulated significantly depending on the MP concentration. In vitro, MP reduced the levels of IL-1β and TNF-α by down-regulating the expression of NLRP3, IL-1β and p-NF-κB in isolated peritoneal macrophages. Conclusion: MP can attenuate the injury of pancreas and lungs, and the inflammatory response in SAP mice by down-regulating the activation of NF-κB and the NLRP3 inflammasome.

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Effect of the proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α on intestinal riboflavin uptake: inhibition mediated via transcriptional mechanism(s)

AJP Cell Physiology ◽

10.1152/ajpcell.00295.2018 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 315 (5) ◽

pp. C653-C663 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Kasin Yadunandam Anandam ◽

Omar A. Alwan ◽

Veedamali S. Subramanian ◽

Padmanabhan Srinivasan ◽

Rubina Kapadia ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ex Vivo ◽

Significant Inhibition ◽

Mrna Levels ◽

In Vivo Models ◽

Uptake Inhibition ◽

Tnf Α ◽

Vitro Model ◽

Factor Α

Riboflavin (RF), is essential for normal cellular metabolism/function. Intestinal RF absorption occurs via a specific carrier-mediated process that involves the apical transporter RFVT-3 ( SLC52A3) and the basolateral RFVT-1 (SLC52A1). Previously, we characterized different cellular/molecular aspects of the intestinal RF uptake process, but nothing is known about the effect of proinflammatory cytokines on the uptake event. We addressed this issue using in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models. First, we determined the level of mRNA expression of the human (h)RFVT-3 and hRFVT-1 in intestinal tissue of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and observed a markedly lower level compared with controls. In the in vitro model, exposing Caco-2 cells to tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) led to a significant inhibition in RF uptake, an effect that was abrogated upon knocking down TNF receptor 1 (TNFR1). The inhibition in RF uptake was associated with a significant reduction in the expression of hRFVT-3 and -1 protein and mRNA levels, as well as in the activity of the SLC52A3 and SLC52A1 promoters. The latter effects appear to involve Sp1 and NF-κB sites in these promoters. Similarly, exposure of mouse small intestinal enteroids and wild-type mice to TNF-α led to a significant inhibition in physiological and molecular parameters of intestinal RF uptake. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that exposure of intestinal epithelial cells to TNF-α leads to inhibition in RF uptake and that this effect is mediated, at least in part, via transcriptional mechanism(s). These findings may explain the significantly low RF levels observed in patients with IBD.

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ROR2 induces cell apoptosis via activating IRE1α/JNK/CHOP pathway in high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma in vitro and in vivo

Journal of Translational Medicine ◽

10.1186/s12967-019-02178-x ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 17 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Rui Li ◽

Tianfeng Liu ◽

Juanjuan Shi ◽

Wenqing Luan ◽

Xuan Wei ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ovarian Carcinoma ◽

Cell Apoptosis ◽

Underlying Mechanism ◽

Control Group ◽

Sequencing Analysis ◽

High Grade ◽

Serous Ovarian Carcinoma ◽

Induce Cell Apoptosis

Abstract Background Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the most lethal cancer in female genital tumors. New disease markers and novel therapeutic strategies are urgent to identify considering the current status of treatment. Receptor tyrosine kinases family plays critical roles in embryo development and disease progression. However, ambivalent research conclusions of ROR2 make its role in tumor confused and the underlying mechanism is far from being understood. In this study, we sought to clarify the effects of ROR2 on high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) cells and reveal the mechanism. Methods Immunohistochemistry assay and western-blot assay were used to detect proteins expression. ROR2 overexpression adenovirus and Lentivirus were used to create ROR2 overexpression model in vitro and in vivo, respectively. MTT assay, colony formation assay and transwell assay were used to measure the proliferation, invasion and migration ability of cancer cells. Flow cytometry assay was used to detect cell apoptosis rate. Whole transcriptome analysis was used to explore the differentially expressed genes between ROR2 overexpression group and negative control group. SiRNA targeted IRE1α was used to knockdown IRE1α. Kira6 was used to inhibit phosphorylation of IRE1α. Results Expression of ROR2 was significantly lower in HGSOC tissues compared to normal fallopian tube epithelium or ovarian surface epithelium tissues. In HGSOC cohort, patients with advanced stages or positive lymph nodes were prone to express lower ROR2. Overexpression of ROR2 could repress the proliferation of HGSOC cells and induce cell apoptosis. RNA sequencing analysis indicated that ROR2 overexpression could induce unfold protein response. The results were also confirmed by upregulation of BIP and phosphorylated IRE1α. Furthermore, pro-death factors like CHOP, phosphorylated JNK and phosphorylated c-Jun were also upregulated. IRE1α knockdown or Kira6 treatment could reverse the apoptosis induced by ROR2 overexpression. Finally, tumor xenograft experiment showed ROR2 overexpression could significantly repress the growth rate and volume of transplanted tumors. Conclusions Taken together, ROR2 downregulation was associated with HGSOC development and progression. ROR2 overexpression could repress cell proliferation and induce cell apoptosis in HGSOC cells. And the underlying mechanism might be the activation of IRE1α/JNK/CHOP pathway induced by ROR2.

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Nerolidol Mitigates Colonic Inflammation: An Experimental Study Using both In Vivo and In Vitro Models

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu12072032 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (7) ◽

pp. 2032

Author(s):

Vishnu Raj ◽

Balaji Venkataraman ◽

Saeeda Almarzooqi ◽

Sanjana Chandran ◽

Shreesh K. Ojha ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Nuclear Translocation ◽

In Vitro Models ◽

Mrna Levels ◽

Colonic Inflammation ◽

Tnf Α ◽

Cox 2 ◽

Anti Inflammatory ◽

Ht 29

Nerolidol (NED) is a naturally occurring sesquiterpene alcohol present in various plants with potent anti-inflammatory effects. In the current study, we investigated NED as a putative anti-inflammatory compound in an experimental model of colonic inflammation. C57BL/6J male black mice (C57BL/6J) were administered 3% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) in drinking water for 7 days to induce colitis. Six groups received either vehicle alone or DSS alone or DSS with oral NED (50, 100, and 150 mg/kg body weight/day by oral gavage) or DSS with sulfasalazine. Disease activity index (DAI), colonic histology, and biochemical parameters were measured. TNF-α-treated HT-29 cells were used as in vitro model of colonic inflammation to study NED (25 µM and 50 µM). NED significantly decreased the DAI and reduced the inflammation-associated changes in colon length as well as macroscopic and microscopic architecture of the colon. Changes in tissue Myeloperoxidase (MPO) concentrations, neutrophil and macrophage mRNA expression (CXCL2 and CCL2), and proinflammatory cytokine content (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) both at the protein and mRNA level were significantly reduced by NED. The increase in content of the proinflammatory enzymes, COX-2 and iNOS induced by DSS were also significantly inhibited by NED along with tissue nitrate levels. NED promoted Nrf2 nuclear translocation dose dependently. NED significantly increased antioxidant enzymes activity (Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Catalase (CAT)), Hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1), and SOD3 mRNA levels. NED treatment in TNF-α-challenged HT-29 cells significantly decreased proinflammatory chemokines (CXCL1, IL-8, CCL2) and COX-2 mRNA levels. NED supplementation attenuates colon inflammation through its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity both in in vivo and in vitro models of colonic inflammation.

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Knockdown of RNF2 enhances the radiosensitivity of squamous cell carcinoma in lung

Biochemistry and Cell Biology ◽

10.1139/bcb-2018-0252 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 97 (5) ◽

pp. 589-599 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Jie Yang ◽

Fan Yu ◽

Jinlei Guan ◽

Tao Wang ◽

Changjiang Liu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cell Cycle ◽

Cell Proliferation ◽

Squamous Cell Carcinoma ◽

Cell Carcinoma ◽

Squamous Cell ◽

Cell Apoptosis ◽

X Ray ◽

Stable Transfectants

A previous study has reported that knockdown of RING finger protein 2 (RNF2) increases the radiosensitivity of esophageal cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo. However, the effect of RNF2 knockdown on radiosensitivity in squamous cell carcinoma (SqCC) remains unknown. For this, NCI-H226 and SK-MES-1 cells were exposed to X-ray irradiation and then RNF2 levels were determined. RNF2 was knocked-down and stable transfectants were selected. Radiosensitivity, cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle, and γ-H2AX foci formation were evaluated. Interaction among ataxia telangiectasia mutated protein (ATM), mediator of DNA damage checkpoint 1 (MDC1), and H2AX were examined. Xenograft models were used to explore the effect of RNF2 knockdown on radiosensitivity in vivo. The results showed that RNF2 expression was significantly increased by X-ray irradiation. RNF2 knockdown combined with X-ray irradiation markedly inhibited cell proliferation, caused cell cycle arrest at the G1 phase, and induced cell apoptosis. In addition, RNF2 knockdown enhanced the radiosensitivity of SqCC cells, inhibited irradiation-induced γ-H2AX foci formation, and impaired the interactions among ATM, MDC1, and H2AX. Furthermore, combination of RNF2 knockdown and X-ray irradiation suppressed tumor growth and promoted tumor cell apoptosis in vivo. RNF2 may be a new therapeutic target to enhance the radiosensitivity of SqCC cells in lung.

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Presence of a Poly(A) Binding Protein and Two Proteins with Cell Cycle-Dependent Phosphorylation in Crithidia fasciculata mRNA Cycling Sequence Binding Protein II

Eukaryotic Cell ◽

10.1128/ec.3.5.1185-1197.2004 ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 3 (5) ◽

pp. 1185-1197 ◽

Cited By ~ 22

Author(s):

Bidyottam Mittra ◽

Dan S. Ray

Keyword(s):

Cell Cycle ◽

Binding Protein ◽

High Specificity ◽

Binding Activity ◽

Mrna Levels ◽

Crithidia Fasciculata ◽

Target Mrna ◽

Cycle Dependent

ABSTRACT Crithidia fasciculata cycling sequence binding proteins (CSBP) have been shown to bind with high specificity to sequence elements present in several mRNAs that accumulate periodically during the cell cycle. The first described CSBP has subunits of 35.6 (CSBPA) and 42 kDa (CSBPB). A second distinct binding protein termed CSBP II has been purified from CSBPA null mutant cells, lacking both CSBPA and CSBPB proteins, and contains three major polypeptides with predicted molecular masses of 63, 44.5, and 33 kDa. Polypeptides of identical size were radiolabeled in UV cross-linking assays performed with purified CSBP II and 32P-labeled RNA probes containing six copies of the cycling sequence. The CSBP II binding activity was found to cycle in parallel with target mRNA levels during progression through the cell cycle. We have cloned genes encoding these three CSBP II proteins, termed RBP63, RBP45, and RBP33, and characterized their binding properties. The RBP63 protein is a member of the poly(A) binding protein family. Homologs of RBP45 and RBP33 proteins were found only among the kinetoplastids. Both RBP45 and RBP33 proteins and their homologs have a conserved carboxy-terminal half that contains a PSP1-like domain. All three CSBP II proteins show specificity for binding the wild-type cycling sequence in vitro. RBP45 and RBP33 are phosphoproteins, and RBP45 has been found to bind in vivo specifically to target mRNA containing cycling sequences. The levels of phosphorylation of both RBP45 and RBP33 were found to cycle during the cell cycle.

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PTEN Methylation Promotes Inflammation and Activation of Fibroblast-Like Synoviocytes in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Frontiers in Pharmacology ◽

10.3389/fphar.2021.700373 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Xiao-Feng Li ◽

Sha Wu ◽

Qi Yan ◽

Yuan-Yuan Wu ◽

He Chen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽

Articular Cartilage ◽

Dna Methyltransferase ◽

Underlying Mechanism ◽

Cartilage Destruction ◽

Specific Pcr ◽

Methylation Inhibitor ◽

Fibroblast Like Synoviocytes

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by a tumor-like expansion of the synovium and subsequent destruction of adjacent articular cartilage and bone. In our previous work we showed that phosphatase and tension homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) contributes to the activation of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) in adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA), but the underlying mechanism is not unknown. In this study, we show that PTEN is downregulated while DNA methyltransferase (DNMT)1 is upregulated in FLS from RA patients and a rat model of AIA. DNA methylation of PTEN was increased by administration of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in FLS of RA patients, as determined by chromatin immunoprecipitation and methylation-specific PCR. Treatment with the methylation inhibitor 5-azacytidine suppressed cytokine and chemokine release and FLS activation in vitro and alleviated paw swelling in vivo. PTEN overexpression reduced inflammation and activation of FLS via protein kinase B (AKT) signaling in RA, and intra-articular injection of PTEN-expressing adenovirus into the knee of AIA rats markedly reduced inflammation and paw swelling. Thus, PTEN methylation promotes the inflammation and activation of FLS in the pathogenesis of RA. These findings provide insight into the molecular basis of articular cartilage destruction in RA, and indicate that therapeutic strategies that prevent PTEN methylation may an effective treatment.

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