Objective: To explore the effect of duanteng Yimu decoction (DTYM) on anti-inflammation and counteracting bone destruction

and to investigate its mechanism of counteracting bone destruction of adjuvant arthritis in rats. Method: Seventy-two SD rats were divided into nine groups;the normal group

the model group

the methotrexate group (MTX

1.06 mg · kg-1)

the high-

medium-

low-dose celastrus orbiculatus groups (47

23.5

4.7 g · kg-1) and the high-

medium-

low-dose DTYM groups (94

47

9.4 g · kg-1). The rats except the normal group were induced by injecting complete Freund's adjuvant to establish adjuvant arthritis rat model. After intragastrical administration of the corresponding medicines once daily for 36 days

the feet swelling degrees

ankle X-ray

C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX-I) and N-terminal propeptide of type I collagen (PINP) serum concentration

and ankle pathological were observed. Result: Compared with the normal group

the feet swelling degrees

CTX-I and ankle X-ray score increased significantly in the model group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group

the feet swelling degrees

CTX-I and ankle X-ray score decreased significantly in all treatment groups (P<0.01). No statistically significant differences in PINP were found between any two groups. Pathological study showed that there were less synovial cell hyperplasia

inflammatory cell infiltrations

pannus formation and cartilage destruction in all treatment groups. Moreover

the above results were better in the DTYM groups. Conclusion: The mechanism of DTYM decoction in improving arthritis and bone destruction may be related to inhibiting the level of CTX-I.