Allicin attenuates inflammation and suppresses HLA-B27 protein expression in ankylosing spondylitis mice

Abstract

Here we aimed to determine the therapeutic effect of allicin on ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and explore the mechanism(s) of action. AS mouse model was constructed by transferring the HLA-B2704 gene into Kunming mice and verified by RT-PCR and CT imaging. Verified AS mice were randomly divided into model group (n = 6) and allicin-treated groups (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, resp., n = 6, p.o., for 2 months). Wild type mice were used as control (n = 6). The levels of AS-related inflammatory factors were measured by ELISA. mRNA and protein expressions of HLA-B27 were checked by RT-PCR and western blotting. As the results, the mouse model of AS was successfully established, and high-dose allicin could markedly alleviate spine inflammatory injury possibly via reducing the secretion of the inflammatory factors (IL-6, IL-8, and TNF- α ) sharply in AS mice. Moreover, allicin significantly inhibited HLA-B27 protein translation but failed to suppress HLA-B27 gene transcription in AS mice, indicating a posttranscriptional mechanism of this modulation. In conclusion, allicin has potential to be used for AS treatment as an anti-inflammatory nutraceutical.

Figures

Figure 1

Verification of the expression of HLA-B2704 in peripheral blood by RT-PCR. M: marker; 1: positive group; 2: control group.

Figure 2

Effects of allicin on spine impairment of AS mice. Siemens 16 layers spiral CT scanner was used for imaging. (a) Control mice; (b) AS model mice; (c) 200 mg/kg allicin-treated AS mice.

Figure 3

Effects of allicin on the releasing of IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α in HLA-B2704 transgenic mice. Mice were orally administered with allicin (50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, and 200 mg/kg, resp.) every morning for 2 months. IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α were tested by ELISA analysis. All data presented are the mean ± SEM of 6 mice. (a) IL-6; (b) IL-8; (c) TNF-α. *P < 0.05, **P < 0.01 versus model group.

Figure 4

Effects of allicin on HLA-B2704 gene expression. Mice were orally administered with allicin (50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg, resp.) every morning for 2 months. HLA-B2704 mRNA expression was analyzed by Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR analysis. All data presented are the mean ± SEM of 6 mice. **P < 0.01 versus Model group.

Figure 5

Effects of allicin on HLA-B2704 protein expression. Mice were orally administered with allicin (50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, and 200 mg/kg, resp.) every morning for 2 months. HLA-B2704 expression was analyzed by western blotting analysis. (a) Blots of HLA-B2704 and β-actin; (b) quantitative analysis of the blots. All data presented are the mean ± SEM of 6 mice. **P < 0.01 versus model group.