The Protective Effect of Chrysanthemum indicum Extract against Ankylosing Spondylitis in Mouse Models

Abstract

In traditional Chinese and Korean homeopathic medicine, Chrysanthemum indicum Linné (Asteraceae) is a time-honored herb, prescribed for the resolution of symptoms associated with inflammatory and hypertensive conditions as well as those affecting the lungs and its associated structures. The goal of this work is to investigate the defensive role of Chrysanthemum indicum extract in fighting ankylosing spondylitis (AS) using mouse models, through which the manifestation and extent of the disease progression were measured with quantitative analysis of the intervertebral joints. Markers of inflammation as well as oxidative stress were also analysed. Western blot was used to quantify the levels of Nuclear Factor-κB (NF-κB) p65, Dickkopf-1 (DKK-1), and sclerostin (SOST). Consequently, the findings of this experiment demonstrated that AS in mice that were given Chrysanthemum indicum extract had lower level of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 (P < 0.05) and increased level of catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) (P < 0.05). The results also revealed that Chrysanthemum indicum supplemented with diet contributed to a decrease in Nuclear Factor-κB (NF-κB) p65 protein expression (P < 0.05) and higher levels of DKK-1 and SOST proteins (P < 0.05). Therefore, we concluded that the beneficial role of Chrysanthemum indicum in AS is manifested through downregulating oxidative stress, inhibiting inflammatory mediators and NF-κB, and increasing DKK-1 and SOST levels.

Figure 1

Impact of dietary Chrysanthemum indicum extract on (a) peripheral disease progression and (b) average joints score. Different superscripts shown on the data indicate being statistically different from each other (P < 0.05; n = 10).

Figure 2

The effect of Chrysanthemum indicum extract on (a) TNF-α, (b) IL-1β, and (c) IL-6 in mice. Different superscripts shown on the data indicate being statistically different from each other (P < 0.05; n = 10).

Figure 3

Effect of Chrysanthemum indicum extract on MDA and antioxidative enzymes. Dietary Chrysanthemum indicum extract affects concentrations of (a) MDA, (b) SOD, (c) CAT, and (d) GSH-PX. Different superscripts shown on the data indicate being statistically different from each other (P < 0.05; n = 10).

Figure 4

The effect of Chrysanthemum indicum extract on NF-κB p65 protein expression in AS mouse model. Different superscripts shown on the data indicate being statistically different from each other (P < 0.05; n = 10).

Figure 5

Effects of Chrysanthemum indicum extract on (a) SOST and (b) DKK-1 protein expression in mouse models. Different superscripts shown on the data indicate being statistically different from each other (P < 0.05; n = 10).