The method of Yiqi Yangyin Tongluo can attenuate the pyroptosis of rheumatoid arthritis chondrocytes through the ASIC1a/NLRP3 signaling pathway

Background: Based on the ASIC1a/NLRP3 signaling pathway, we explored the specific molecular mechanism of the pyroptosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) chondrocytes by the method of nourishing qi, nourishing yin, and dredging collaterals to provide new ideas for the treatment of this disease. Methods: A total of 50 rats were divided into a normal group, model group, methotrexate group, Yiqi Yangyin Tongluo group, and combined group. Except for the normal control group, the other groups used Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA) to make RA rat model. The arthritis index and ankle joint swelling of rats in each group were recorded. HE staining and ELISA were used to assess the pathology of the ankle joint of each group of rats and the content of IL-1 beta and IL-18 in rat serum. Furthermore, immunofluorescence and qPCR methods were used to detect the protein and mRNA expression levels of NLRP3, caspase 1, ACS, and ASIC1a in the cartilage tissue of each group of rats. Results: Compared with the normal group, the right hind foot joint of the model group was significantly swollen, the levels of IL-18 and IL-1 beta in the serum of rats increased significantly, and the mRNA and protein levels of NLRP3, caspase 1, ACS, and ASIC1a in the chondrocytes also increased significantly. Compared with the model group, the degree of ankle joint swelling and IL-18 and IL-1 beta content in rat serum in each medication group was significantly reduced, and the combined group showed the greatest reduction compared with the other groups. After 8 weeks of treatment, compared with the model group, the mRNA and protein levels of NLRP3, caspase 1, ACS, and ASIC1a in the chondrocytes of each medication group were down-regulated. HE staining found that there were large numbers of infiltrating inflammatory cells and pannus in the joint tissue of the model group, while only a small amount of inflammatory cell infiltration and pannus was seen in the joint tissue of the rats in each treatment group. Conclusions: The method of Yiqi Yangyin Tongluo can attenuate the pyroptosis of RA chondrocytes through the ASIC1a/NLRP3 signaling pathway.