Objective: To explore the effect of Buyang Huanwu Tang with different doses on the expression of myeloperoxidas (MPO) and neutrophil elastase (NE) mRNA in synovial neutrophils of the knee and ankle

as well as the inflammatory factors tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)

interleukin-1β(IL-1β)

interleukin-6 (IL-6)

and interleukin-17 (IL-17) in the serum and joint fluid of gouty arthritis (GA) mice. Method: The mice were randomly divided into normal control group

model group

the methotrexate group (0.001 5 g·kg-1)

Buyang Huanwu Tang high dose group (2.5 g·kg-1)

Buyang Huanwu Tang middle dose group (1.25 g·kg-1)

and Buyang Huanwu Tang low dose group(0.625 g·kg-1). Rheumatoid arthritis model was induced by collagen. After continuous lavage for 28 days

pathology method was used to analyze the treatment effects in mice. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the expression of inflammatory cytokines in serum and joint fluid; real time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) method was used to detect the mRNA expression of neutrophils marker protein MPO and NE in knee and ankle synovium. Result: As compared with normal group

joints were markedly swollen (P<0.01); joint pathological scores and inflammatory factor levels in serum and joint fluid

MPO

NE mRNA expression levels in knee and ankle joints were higher in model group (P<0.05

P<0.01). As compared with model group

joint swelling in mice was significantly relieved (P<0.05

P<0.01); joint pathological scores

inflammatory factor levels in serum and joint fluid

and MPO

NE mRNA expression levels in knee and ankle joints were obviously decreased in Buyang Huanwu Tang high dose group(P<0.05

P<0.01). Conclusion: Proper dose of Buyang Huanwu Tang may inhibit mRNA expression levels of knee and ankle synovial neutrophils marker protein MPO and NE

thus inhibiting activity of neutrophils

decreasing the inflammatory factors TNF-α

IL-1β

IL-6 and IL-17 in the serum and joint.