Study on the mechanism of action of Wu Mei Pill in inhibiting rheumatoid arthritis through TLR4-NF-κB pathway

Background Wu Mei Pills (WMP) is a traditional Chinese medication that exhibits considerable anti-inflammatory effects. While WMP has been documented for its efficacy in treating RA, its mechanism of action on the condition remains unestablished. Methods The chemical composition of WMP was analysed through UPLC-MS. Next, the ELISA, cell scratch, Transwell, and Western blotting techniques were used to investigate its intrinsic mechanism. Lastly, the effect of WMP in inhibiting RA was explored by applying it to CIA rats. Result UPLC-MS analysis detected 181 compounds in WMP. RA-FLS migration and invasion mechanisms were significantly hindered by serum containing WMP (2%, 8%). Moreover, WMP (0.5 g/kg, 2 kg/kg) restricted arthritis and immune organ indices in CIA rats with type II collagen-induced rheumatoid arthritis by blocking TLR4-NF-κB inflammatory pathway activation. Conclusions WMP is valuable in mitigating the course of RA through inhibiting the classical TLR4-NF-κB inflammatory pathway and reducing the secretion of inflammatory factors in the serum of RA-FLS and CIA rats. Moreover, it regulates the dynamic balance of MMP-2/TIMP-2, MMP-9/TIMP-1, modulates the mechanism of RA-FLS invasion, and safeguards articular cartilage tissues in RA.