Anti-Hyperuricemic Effect of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles against Monosodium Urate Crystals Induced Gouty Arthritis in BALB/c Mice

Association between urinary metal concentrations and hyperuricemia in Chinese community-dwelling elderly: Exploring the mediating role of estimating glomerular filtration rate

BACKGROUND

It has been shown that multiple metals exposure is associated with hyperuricemia. However, previous studies on the association and interaction between multiple metals exposure and hyperuricemia have been controversial, and there has been little evaluation of the potential mediating role of estimating glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).

METHODS

In this study, levels of 12 metals in the urine of 3756 study participants were measured using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). The associations between urinary metals and the hyperuricemia were analyzed by multivariable logistic regression model and restricted cubic spline (RCS). Weighted Quantile Sum (WQS) regression was used to explore the weight of each metal. Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) was used to explore the join effect of mixed metal exposure. Mediation analysis was used to explore the role of eGFR in relationship between urinary metal concentration and hyperuricemia.

RESULTS

In the multi-metal model, the multivariate-adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95 % confidence interval (CI) of hyperuricemia were 0.89 (0.81,0.99) for Fe, 0.79 (0.70,0.89) for Se, 0.84 (0.75,0.93) for Cd, 0.87 (0.79,0.96) for Pb, 1.36 (1.23,1.51) for Zn (all P < 0.05). The RCS regression indicated signification nonlinear associations for Zn and Pb (all P-non-linear <0.05). The WQS regression model based on the negative fit showed that the maximum weight of Cd is 43.1 %. In the BKMR model, metal mixtures showed an overall negative association with the risk of developing hyperuricemia, and we also found interactions between Zn and Pb. Mediation analysis showed that eGFR mediated the association between Fe, Se, Cd, Pb and hyperuricemia with mediation ratios of 11.18 %, 12.10 %, 9.60 %, and 12.01 %, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The metal mixture in urine is negatively correlated with hyperuricemia, with Cd having the greatest impact. eGFR may play a partial role in association of Fe, Se, Cd and Pb exposure with hyperuricemia.

Suppression of TLR4/NF-κB signaling by kaurenoic acid in a mice model of monosodium urate crystals-induced acute gout

AIM

The aim of the current study was to investigate the potential therapeutic effect of kaurenoic acid (KA) against Monosodium Urate Crystals (MSU)-induced acute gout by downregulation of NF-κB signaling pathway, mitigating inflammation and oxidative stress. KA potentially targeted NF-κB pathway activation and provided comprehensive insights through multiple approaches. This was accomplished by advanced analytical techniques. This methodology highlighted the efficacy of KA in acute gout attacks offering new approach for gout management.

METHODS

In-vivo model of acute gout was established in BALB/c mice. Anti-inflammatory and urate-lowering potential was determined through pain behavioral evaluation, biochemical analysis, histological and immunohistochemical assays, radiological assessments, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis, and computational analysis.

RESULTS

The paw edema, joint thickness, and the frequency and duration of acute gout flare-ups were all significantly (p < 0.001) decreased by the administration of KA. A considerable reversal of inflammation and deterioration was observed in the KA-treated groups in X-ray examination. The FTIR spectroscopy indicated the changes in the molecular makeup of tissues, and modifications of biomolecules including proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates. Histopathological changes showed marked (p < 0.001) improvements in cellular structure of the paw, and inflammatory cell infiltration in the treatment groups. Trichrome staining revealed suppressed collagen deposition, inflammation, and tissue repair in the paw. In paw tissues, the KA therapy up-regulated IκB-α expression while down-regulating toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression. On the other hand, KA therapy greatly increased antioxidants and decreased oxidative stress indicators significantly (p < 0.001). According to Evans's blue permeability analysis, results showed that the treatment groups' vascular permeability was intensely reduced in comparison to the diseased group. Molecular docking studies indicated that KA appeared to have a high tendency to bind to protein targets. KA was associated with the drop in the cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1beta (IL-1β).

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, this study highlighted the potential therapeutic effect of KA in alleviating MSU-induced gout by suppressing the NF-κB signaling pathway. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity was demonstrated by behavioral studies and advanced biochemical evaluations including blood analysis and oxido-nitrosative stress markers. Histopathological analysis, including H&E staining, immunohistochemistry, and Masson Trichrome staining, revealed tissue preservation, while FTIR and X-ray revealed structural improvements. Molecular docking verified strong binding affinity to NF-κB-related targets, verifying its mechanistic action. These findings suggest promising applications of KA in acute gout management due to its potent NF-κB modulating activity.

Inverse relationship of oxidative balance score with hyperuricemia among Chinese adults: a population-based cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

The oxidative balance score (OBS) is a composite metric highlights pro-oxidants and antioxidants balance, representing the overall burden of oxidative stress. This study aims to examine the association between OBS and hyperuricemia in a Chinese population.

METHODS

This study was based on population-based cross-sectional survey data of Fujian province from August 2020 to April 2021. OBS was determined based on 10 food and lifestyle OBS components. The association between OBS and hyperuricemia was investigated using logistic regression analysis. Subgroup analyses identified sensitive populations. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) was performed to examine the potential dose-response relationship.

RESULTS

A total of 9464 participants were included in the final analysis. An inverse association between OBS and hyperuricemia was observed and remained after adjusting for potential confounders. Each additional unit of OBS was associated with a 4% and 7% reduction in the risk of hyperuricemia in men [OR: 0.96(0.94,0.99)] and women [OR: 0.93(0.90,0.96)], respectively. Participants in the highest quartile had a 22% and 37% lower risk of hypertension compared with the lowest quartile of OBS in men [0.78(0.62,0.97)] and women [OR: 0.63(0.49,0.79)], respectively. There were significant interactions between OBS and gender, hypertension, and dyslipidemia on hyperuricemia (Pinteraction < 0.05), except for age, education, and diabetes (Pinteraction > 0.05). A linear dose-response relationship between OBS and the risk of hyperuricemia (Pnonlinear = 0.7854) was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

An inverse association as well as dose-response relationship between OBS and hyperuricemia were observed. Increasing antioxidant levels through lifestyle modification may be an effective way to prevent hyperuricemia, especially in women. Large prospective cohort studies and randomized controlled trials are required to verify the effect of OBS on hyperuricemia and elucidate its causal mechanism.

Anti-gouty arthritis and anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin nanoparticles in monosodium urate crystals induced Balb/C mice

Gout is a metabolic condition characterized by the accumulation of urate crystals in the synovial joints. These crystal depositions result in joint swelling and increased concentration of serum uric acid in blood. The commercially available drugs lower serum uric acid levels and reduce inflammation, but these standard therapies have many side effects. This study aimed to investigate anti-gout and anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin nanoparticles (CNPs). For this purpose, CNPs were prepared by dissolving curcumin into dichloromethane. Then, gout was induced by injecting monosodium urate crystals (MSU) in the ankle joint and in the intra-peritoneal cavity which caused ankle swelling and increased blood uric acid levels. CNPs in different concentrations (5, 10, and 20 ppm) and allopurinol were orally administered. The MSU crystals increased the xanthine oxidase levels both in serum and the liver. Moreover, MSU crystals increased the serum levels of interleukin 1β, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, liver function tests markers, renal function tests markers, and lipid profiles. However, the administration of CNPs decreased the levels of all these variables. CNPs increased the serum high-density lipoprotein and interleukin-10 levels. Moreover, CNPs also reduced ankle swelling significantly. Hence, the levels of xanthine oxidase, uric acid and ankle swelling were reduced significantly by oral administration of CNPs. Our findings indicate that CNPs through their anti-inflammatory properties significantly alleviate gouty arthritis. Thus, the study concluded that CNPs can be developed as an efficient anti-gout agent with minimal side effects.

Manganese-doped albumin-gelatin composite nanogel loaded with berberine applied to the treatment of gouty arthritis in rats via a SPARC-dependent mechanism

In this study, manganese-doped albumin-gelatin composite nanogels (MAGN) were prepared and used to load berberine (Ber) for the treatment of gouty arthritis (GA). The nanodrug delivery system (Ber-MAGN) can target inflammatory joints due to the intrinsic high affinity of albumin for SPARC, which is overexpressed at the inflammatory site of GA. Characterization of the pharmaceutical properties in vitro showed that Ber-MAGN had good dispersion, and the particle size was 121 ± 10.7 nm. The sustained release effect significantly improved the bioavailability of berberine. In vitro and in vivo experimental results showed that Ber-MAGN has better therapeutic effects in relieving oxidative stress and suppressing inflammation. Therefore, Ber-MAGN, as a potential pharmaceutical preparation for GA, provides a new reference for the clinical treatment plan of GA.

Effect of nanoparticles on gouty arthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of nanoparticles on gouty arthritis, and to provide evidence for the preclinical application of nanoparticles in gouty arthritis and ideas for nanomedicine improvement for nanoparticle researchers.

METHODS

Five databases including the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase were searched for eligible studies until April 2022. The quality of the selected studies was assessed by SYRCLE's risk of bias (RoB) tool, and the random-effects model was used to calculate the overall effect sizes of weighted mean differences (WMD).

RESULTS

Ten studies met the inclusion criteria. Results showed that nanoparticles were effective in reducing uric acid levels (WMD: -4.91; 95% confidence interval (CI): - 5.41 to - 4.41; p < 0.001), but were not better than allopurinol (WMD: -0.20; 95% CI: - 0.42 to 0.02; p = 0.099). It was worth noting that the nanoparticles were safer than allopurinol. Subgroup analyses indicated that nanoparticle encapsulated substance, animal species, nanoparticle dosage, animal quantity, and animal gender were all sources of heterogeneity.

CONCLUSION

The nanoparticles are safe medications for gouty arthritis which can effectively reduce uric acid levels in rodents. Although the results are still uncertain, it is expected to have certain clinical application value. The nanoparticles may be the preclinical medications for gouty arthritis in the future.

Hope for bone regeneration: The versatility of iron oxide nanoparticles

Although bone tissue has the ability to heal itself, beyond a certain point, bone defects cannot rebuild themselves, and the challenge is how to promote bone tissue regeneration. Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) are a magnetic material because of their excellent properties, which enable them to play an active role in bone regeneration. This paper reviews the application of IONPs in bone tissue regeneration in recent years, and outlines the mechanisms of IONPs in bone tissue regeneration in detail based on the physicochemical properties, structural characteristics and safety of IONPs. In addition, a bibliometric approach has been used to analyze the hot spots and trends in the field in order to identify future directions. The results demonstrate that IONPs are increasingly being investigated in bone regeneration, from the initial use as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents to later drug delivery vehicles, cell labeling, and now in combination with stem cells (SCs) composite scaffolds. In conclusion, based on the current research and development trends, it is more inclined to be used in bone tissue engineering, scaffolds, and composite scaffolds.

In Vivo Effects of Orally Administered Different Concentrations of Silver Oxide Nanoparticles in Hyperuricemic Mice

Silver oxide nanoparticles (AgO-NPs) antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-microbial, and tissue repair properties. Gouty arthritis is the inflammation of tissues and joints caused by the deposition of monosodium urate crystals. In this experiment, we investigated the anti-hyperuricemic effectiveness of different concentrations of AgO-NPs in mice. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of administration of AgO-NPs in monosodium urate (MSU)-induced gouty mice for the very first time. Monosodium urate (MSU) crystals were administered intraperitoneal for gout induction, followed by 5, 10, and 20 µg/mL doses of AgO-NPs for 2 weeks. The positive control was provided with the commercially available drug allopurinol to compare the effects of AgO-NPs and allopurinol. The main purpose of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of the nanoparticles in comparison with commercially available drugs. AgO-NPs have been shown to improve the condition of gouty arthritis by reducing significantly (P ˂ 0.001) increased levels of ALT, AST, and total bilirubin. The total protein estimation results showed significant improvement at concentration of 20 µg/mL of AgO-NPs. The lipid profile results showed that high concentration (20 µg/mL) of AgO-NPs decrease the lipid content significantly as compared to control. It was concluded from this study that the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antilipidemic properties of AgO-NPs may improve the hyperuricemic condition in gouty arthritis mice.

Carvacrol Alleviates Hyperuricemia-Induced Oxidative Stress and Inflammation by Modulating the NLRP3/NF-κB Pathwayt

Purpose

Gouty arthritis is generally induced by the accumulation of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals in the joints due to elevated serum uric acid levels, potentially leading to serious pathological disorders such as nephrolithiasis, renal failure, and acute gouty arthritis. In this study, we aimed to validate the anti-gout effects of carvacrol, a phenolic monoterpene.

Materials and Methods

Male Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into normal saline, disease group by injecting potassium mono-oxonate (PO) at a dose of 250 mg/kg, and three treatment groups, either with carvacrol 20 mg/kg or 50 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg allopurinol. The blood and tissue samples were subsequently collected and analyzed using different biochemical and histopathological techniques.

Results

Our results revealed a significant increase in the serum levels of oxidative stress-related markers, namely, uric acid and C-reactive protein (CRP), and NLRP3 inflammasome-dependent inflammatory mediators, including nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Carvacrol administration for seven consecutive days exhibited significant anti-hyperuricemic and anti-inflammatory effects in a dose-dependent manner. Notably, the 50 mg/kg carvacrol treatment was observed to produce results similar to the allopurinol treatment. Furthermore, the renal safety of carvacrol was confirmed by the renal function test.

Conclusion

Carvacrol potentially alleviates hyperuricemia-induced oxidative stress and inflammation by regulating the ROS/NRLP3/NF-κB pathway, thereby exerting protective effects against joint degeneration.