Title:Immunomodulatory Effects of Combined Nicotinic Acid and Prednisolone
in Adjuvant-induced Arthritis
Volume: 22
Issue: 2
Author(s): Shadan Mirzaaghasi and Seyyed Meysam Abtahi Froushani*
Affiliation:
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
Keywords:
Nicotinic acid, prednisolone, rheumatoid arthritis, complete freund's adjuvant, chronic, patients.
Abstract:
Background: The combination of two drugs may lead to better results while reducing the
need for each medication.
Objective: This study aimed to explore the synergistic benefits of combination therapy by suboptimal
dose of niacin (Nic.) and prednisolone (Pred.) in an experimental model of Rheumatoid arthritis
(RA).
Methods: About 50 male Wistar rats (weighing 150 - 160 grams) were randomly divided into five
groups of ten, including healthy and RA groups treated with Nic. (80 mg/kg-orally), or Pred. (2
mg/kg-orally), and/or co-administration of Nic. and Pred. (half doses with each one-orally). RA was
induced by the injection of complete Freund's adjuvant into the hind paw of each rat. All treatments
were initiated on the fifth day following the induction and continued until day 30 post-induction.
Results: The combined Nic. and Pred. at half doses promoted a significant regression in the severity
of the established RA, which is more pronounced than full doses of either drug alone. Combination
therapy promoted a reduction in some hematological and biochemical RA parameters, like neutral
red uptake by phagocytic cells, myeloperoxidase, nitric oxide, and C-reactive protein, more profound
than each drug alone. Combined treatment caused a greater decrease in IFN-γ expression than
other treatments in the area of plantar joints. All treatments were effective in increasing the expression
of the IL-10 in the area of plantar joints. Prednisolone was less effective in reducing the expression
of the TNF-α in the area of plantar joints than the other group.
Conclusion: This combination may be a useful approach to controlling RA.
