Suppressive effect of Spirulina fusiformis in relation to lysosomal acid hydrolases, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant status, and inflammatory mediator TNF-alpha on experimental gouty arthritis in mice

• Published in: Oriental pharmacy and experimental medicine Vol. 9; no. 2; pp. 164 - 173
• Main Authors: Rasool, Mahaboob Khan, Sabina, Evan Prince, Nithya, Pichandy, Lavanya, Kumar
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Korean
• Published: 2009
• Subjects: Tumour necrosis factor- $\alpha; Spirulina fusiformis; Gouty arthritis; Inflammation
• ISSN: 1598-2386; 2211-1069

The anti-inflammatory effect of Spirulina fusiformis on monosodium urate crystal-induced inflammation in mice has been investigated and compared with the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug Indomethacin. The paw volume, lysosomal enzyme activities, lipid peroxidation, anti-oxidant status and inflammatory mediator tumour necrosis factor-$\alpha$ were studied in control and monosodium urate crystal-induced mice after oral administration of Spirulina platensis in an experimental model for gouty arthritis. In the induced mice, the levels of lysosomal enzymes, inflammatory mediator tumour necrosis factor-$\alpha$, lipid peroxidation and the paw volume increased significantly, whereas the antioxidant status decreased when compared to control mice. $\beta$-glucuronidase and lactate dehydrogenase level were also found to be increased in untreated monosodium urate crystal-incubated polymorphonuclear leucocytes. After the oral administration of Spirulina fusiformis, the physical and biochemical changes observed in monosodium urate crystal-induced animals were significantly restored to near normal levels. The results clearly indicated the anti-inflammatory role of Spirulina fusiformis, a promising drug for gouty arthritis.