In vitro inhibitory effect of zingerone on TNFa-stimulated fibroblast-like synoviocytes

Targeting Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) is an attractive complementary approach for RA therapy. This study aimed to investigate the inhibitory effects of zingerone on TNF & alpha;-induced arthritic FLSs. MTS, EdU, wound healing, DHE staining and real-time PCR were used to determine the effects of zingerone on the destructive behaviors of arthritic FLSs induced by TNF & alpha;. Western blot analysis was used to analyze cell signaling pathways. Zingerone treatment significantly inhibited TNF & alpha;-induced proliferation, migration, ROS formation and pro-inflammatory cytokines expression of FLSs. Molecular mechanism studies revealed that zingerone could suppress TNF & alpha;-induced activations of MAPKs (ERK, JNK and p38) in arthritic FLSs. Zingerone attenuated pathological features of FLSs via MAPKs pathways, indicating its potential as a complementary or alternative drug for RA therapy.