Objective:To study the effect of Sarcandra hainanensis on synovial lesions and the expressions of nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB)

matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2)

and MMP-9 in synoviocytes of rats with adjuvant arthritis (AA)

and discuss relevant mechanism for anti-rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Method:Sixty rats were randomly divided into control group

model group

nimesulide group

and high

medium and low-dose S. hainanensis groups (5.0

2.5

1.25 g·kg-1). Except for the control group

each group was injected with complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) to establish the AA model. The rats were intragastrically (ig) administered for 28 days

then sampled and put to death. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the pathological changes in synovial tissues. The levels of interleukin (IL)-1β

IL-6

IL-10

tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)

nitric oxide (NO)

and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in the serum of rats were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expressions of NF-κB

MMP-2 and MMP-9 in synovial tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry. Result:Compared with model group

the levels of IL-1β

IL-6

TNF-α

NO and PGE2 in serum of S. hainanensis group were decreased in different degrees

while the content of IL-10 was significantly increased. The expressions of NF-κB

MMP-2

and MMP-9 in synovial tissues of S. hainanensis group were lower than those in model group to varying degrees(P<0.05

P<0.01). Conclusion:S.hainanensis has an obvious anti-inflammatory effect on AA rats. Its mechanism of action may be down-regulation of the expressions of NF-κB

MMP-2

and MMP-9 in synovial tissues

so as to accelerate apoptosis and alleviate synovial lesions of RA.