Objective:To observe the effect of Juanbi Lijieqing formula on Toll-like receptors 4(TLR4)

nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB)

peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ(PPARγ)in synovial tissue of modified gouty arthritis rats

in order to explore the possible mechanism of Juanbi Lijieqing formula in the treatment of acute gouty arthritis with local tissue inflammation. Method:Among 42 male SD rats

6 were selected as blank group according to the random number table method

30 were included in the modeling group. The modeling group was randomly divided into model group

Juanbi Lijieqing formula group (4 400

2 200

1 100 mg·kg-1)

celecoxib group (11 mg·kg-1)

and pioglitazone group (20 mg·kg-1)

with 6 mice in each group. Rats in normal control group and model group were given normal saline (20 mL·kg-1). Rats in each group were administrated with drugs for 2 times a day for 2 days; after that

the rats were put to death

the right ankle joints were collected

and synovial tissues were isolated. The tissues were divided into two parts

one part was used for the observation of pathomorphology

while the other part was used to detect mRNA expressions of TLR4

NF-κB p65 and PPARγ by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Western blot was used to detect protein expressions of TLR4

NF-κB p65 and PPARγ. Result:Compared with the normal control group

mRNA and protein expressions of TLR4 and NF-κB increased significantly (P<0.01) in the model group

and mRNA and protein expression of PPARγ in the model group increased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group

the expressions of TLR4 and NF-κB in the pioglitazone group and low

middle and high-dose Juanbi Lijieqing formula groups decreased significantly (P<0.01)

and mRNA and protein expression of PPARγ increased significantly(P<0.05). Conclusion:Juanbi Lijieqing formula may inhibit local inflammation in acute gouty arthritis by up-regulating the expression of PPARγ and inhibiting the expressions of TLR4 and NF-κB.