Silencing the expression of connexin 43 decreases inflammation and joint destruction in experimental arthritis

• DOI: 10.1002/jor.22263
• Publication Date: 2012-11-19T13:52:16Z
• Authors: Shinji Tsuchida; Yuji Arai; Tsunao Kishida; Kenji A. Takahashi; Kuniaki Honjo; Ryu Terauchi; Hiroaki Inoue; Ryo Oda; Osam Mazda; Toshikazu Kubo
• Keywords: Proinflammatory cytokine

Abstract The objective of the present study was to determine whether expression connexin 43 (Cx43) effected on inflammatory conditions in rat fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (FLS) and model rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Cx43 FLS stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) confirmed by real‐time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). effects small‐interfering RNA targeting (siCx43) pro‐inflammatory cytokines chemokine were assessed RT‐PCR enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). therapeutic side siCx43 a collagen‐induced (CIA) examined vivo electroporation method. LPS markedly enhanced gene FLS, transfection suppressing over‐expression chemokine. Treatment CIA rats significantly ameliorated paw swelling, reduced histological scores radiographic scores. In appearance ankle joints, treatment decreased number tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)‐positive (osteoclast‐like) cells. These findings indicated that had anti‐inflammatory efficiently inhibited development CIA. may play an important role pathophysiology RA, be potential target molecule for novel RA therapies. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31: 525–530, 2013