Disclosing the impact of metformin and methotrexate in adjuvant arthritis in female rats: molecular docking and biochemical insights on visfatin
摘要
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the most common systemic autoimmune inflammatory diseases, with a progressive etiology that results in serious complications and a higher chance of early death. Visfatin, an adipokine, is correlated with disease pathologic features and becomes a key biomarker and therapeutic target for RA. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-arthritic activity of metformin (an antidiabetic drug with anti-inflammatory activities) and methotrexate (the first choice for disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs in RA, with diverse adverse effects) in complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA)–induced arthritis in female rats. Treatment outcomes were assessed using arthritis severity, serum levels of inflammatory markers, and pro-inflammatory adipokine (visfatin). In addition to radiological and histopathological examination, and docking analysis. Results showed that Met, MTX, and Met/MTX significantly (p ≤ 0.05) lowered paw swelling and arthritic score, as well as attenuated serum levels of rheumatoid factor (RF), C-reactive protein (CRP), and visfatin. The combined treatment gives the best results. The previously mentioned findings were further confirmed through radiological and histopathological examinations. In conclusion, the co-administration of metformin could potentiate the anti-arthritic activity of methotrexate, providing a medical strategy for arthritis management.