ANTI-INFLAMMATORY IMPACT OF YIN-MA-JIE-DU GRANULES ON RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS IN ATHLETES

Abstract

Background/Aims: Yin-Ma-Jie-Du granules (YMJD), a traditional Chinese medicine formula, are reputed for their antibacterial, antiviral, and immune-modulating properties. This study evaluates the anti-inflammatory potential of YMJD and its underlying mechanisms in both in vitro and in vivo settings, with a specific focus on its application for athletes suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods: A RA mouse model was developed using bovine collagen type II to induce collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). YMJD’s therapeutic efficacy was assessed by monitoring body weight and clinical arthritis scores in CIA mice. Serum levels of TNF-α were quantified using ELISA. The formula's in vitro anti-inflammatory effects were tested on PMA-induced human whole blood, monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs), and THP-1 monocytic leukemia cell lines, measuring the production of inflammatory markers IL-1β, IL-8, and TNF-α through ELISA, with mRNA levels assessed via RT-PCR. Additionally, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in THP-1 cells was measured using an intracellular ROS assay. Results: YMJD significantly reduced arthritis scores and maintained body weight in CIA mice. It also effectively decreased TNF-α serum levels in these mice. In vitro, YMJD inhibited the production of IL-1β, IL-8, and TNF-α and increased ROS in human whole blood, MDMs, and THP-1 cells. These findings suggest that YMJD modulates key inflammatory pathways and oxidative stress markers. Conclusion: YMJD exhibits potent anti-inflammatory effects in both animal models and cell-based assays, primarily through the suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the promotion of oxidative responses. These properties make YMJD a promising candidate for managing inflammatory conditions such as RA, especially in athletes, providing a pharmacological basis for its use in controlling inflammation-driven disorders. Further clinical studies are warranted to explore its efficacy and safety in human subjects, particularly those engaged in high-intensity sports.