Gallic acid regulates immune response in a mouse model of rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

Introduction: Previous studies revealed that gallic acid (GA) exerts anti-inflammation and immuno-regulatory properties. This study aims to explore the pharmacological activities of GA in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mouse model. Methods: Male DBA/1J mice were used to construct the CIA model. The mice were administrated with GA for 3 weeks. Clinical arthritis scores and hind paw volume were evaluated over the experimental period. qPCR and Western blot analysis were used to determine the levels of matrix metallopeptidases (MMPs) and cytokines. In addition, flow cytometry was used to measure the populations of Th17 and Treg cells. ELISAs were used to determine the cytokines in the serum and ankle joint tissues. Results: Treatment of GA (40 and 80 mg/kg/d) reduced clinical arthritis scores and hind paw volume in the CIA mouse model. Besides, treatment of GA reduced the overexpression of MMPs and modulated the dysregulation of inflammation-related cytokines. Flow cytometry showed that treatment of GA decreased the population of Th17 cells, and increased the population of Treg cells, as supported by treatment of GA regulated the Th17/Treg-related cytokines. Conclusions: GA attenuates symptoms in the CIA mouse model by anti-inflammation and regulating Th17/Treg cell imbalance.