Objective: To investigate the effect of triterpene from Chaenomelis Fructus on the expression levels of Akt

NF-κB and inflammatory factors in synovial tissues of joint in adjuvant arthritis (AA) rats

and explore its possible mechanism.Method: Totally 80 male SD rats were randomly divided into normal group

model group

triterpene from Chaenomelis Fructus high and middle dose groups (50

100 mg·kg-1). The models were established by injection of adjuvant on right hind paws of the rats. Triterpene from Chaenomelis Fructus (50

100 mg·kg-1) was given by ig administration

and foot volume method was used to determine paw swelling and joint scores. The pathological changes of synovium were observed under optical microscope; and the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)

interleukin 1β (IL-1β)

interleukin 6 (IL-6) and interleukin 8(IL-8) in joint synovial tissues were measured by using ELISA. The protein expression levels of protein kinase B (Akt)

phospho-Akt (p-Akt) and nuclear transcription factor-κB p65 (NF-κB p65) in joint synovial tissues were measured by western blotting.Result: After 14days of joint inflammation

paw swelling reached the peak as compared with the normal group. The joint synovial hyperplasia and cell infiltration were seen obviously in model rats; the levels of TNF-α

IL-1β

IL-6 and IL-8 in joint synovial tissues were significantly increased; the NF-κBp65 and p-Akt protein expression levels were increased (P<0.01). As compared with the model group

triterpene from Chaenomelis Fructus (50 and 100 mg·kg-1) significantly decreased arthritis score

alleviated paw swelling

decreased the levels of TNF-α

IL-1β

IL-6 and IL-8 in joint synovial tissues; and significantly down-regulated the protein expression levels of p-Akt and NF-κB p65 (P<0.05

P<0.01).Conclusion: Triterpene from Chaenomelis Fructus has a significant anti-inflammatory effect. The mechanism maybe related to inhibiting Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway and activating the pro-inflammatory cytokines production.