Bioactive compounds and therapeutic role of Brassica oleracea L. seeds in rheumatoid arthritis rats via regulating inflammatory signalling pathways and antagonizing interleukin-1 receptor action

Abstract

Context

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, progressive autoimmune disease characterized by aggressive and systematic polyarthritis.

Objective

The present study aimed to isolate and identify the phenolic constituents in Brassica oleracea L. (Brassicaceae) seeds methanolic extract and evaluates its effect against rheumatoid arthritis in rats referring to the new therapy; interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA).

Materials and Methods

The GC/MS profiling of the plant was determined. Arthritis induction was done using complete Freund’s adjuvant. Arthritis severity was assessed by percentage of edema and arthritis index. IL-1 receptor type I gene expression, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), oxidative stress markers, protein content, inflammatory mediators, prostaglandin-E2 (PGE2), genetic abnormalities and the histopathological features of ankle joint were evaluated.

Results

For the first time twelve phenolic compounds had been isolated from the seeds extract. Treatment with extract and IL-1RA improved the tested parameters by variable degrees.

Conclusions

RA is an irreversible disease, where its severity increases with the time of induction. Brassica oleracea L. seeds extract is considered as a promising anti-arthritis agent. IL-1 RA may be considered as an unusual therapeutic agent for RA disease. More studies are needed to consider the seeds extract as a nutraceutical agent and to recommend IL-1RA as a new RA drug.

Keywords:

• Brassica oleracea L.
• phenolic compounds
• rheumatoid arthritis
• arthritis index
• IL-1 receptor antagonist
• oxidative stress

Acknowledgement

The authors would like to express their appreciation to the National Research Centre for facilitating this work.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

Data in this manuscript is available to any reader upon acceptance.

Additional information

Funding

This work is a part of the internal project that was financially supported by the National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt (Project no: 12060105, 2019-2022; PI: Prof. Manal A. Hamed).