Downregulation of the inflammatory response by CORM-3 results in protective effects in a model of postmenopausal arthritis

Calcif Tissue Int. 2012 Jul;91(1):69-80. doi: 10.1007/s00223-012-9612-7. Epub 2012 May 29.

Abstract

CO-releasing molecules (CORMs) are a new class of drugs able to release small amounts of CO in biological systems. We have shown previously that one of these molecules, CORM-3, exerts anti-inflammatory effects in animal models. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of CORM-3 on bone metabolism in a model of postmenopausal rheumatoid arthritis osteoporosis. Ovariectomy was followed by collagen-induced arthritis in female DBA-1/J mice. Animals showing arthritis on day 22 after immunization were then randomized into control and treatment groups. CORM-3 was administered at 10 mg/kg, intraperitoneally, once a day. Alendronate was administered at 100 μg/kg, orally, once a day. On days 36 and 50 after immunization, animals were killed and tissues analyzed. The arthritic score was significantly reduced by CORM-3 but not by alendronate treatment. Histopathological analyses indicated that both compounds reduced cellular infiltration and cartilage degradation. Local bone erosion and reduction in TNFα levels were seen for CORM-3 on day 50 and for alendronate on day 36. Serum levels of COMP, IL-6, MMP-3, CTX-I, alkaline phosphatase, and osteocalcin were decreased by both treatments, whereas TNFα levels were reduced by CORM-3 and TRAP-5b by alendronate. Micro-computed tomographic analysis showed protective effects on trabecular bone, which were more prominent for CORM-3 on day 36 and for alendronate on day 50. Our results suggest that CORMs represent a novel anti-inflammatory strategy to counteract joint bone erosion with partial protective effects on systemic bone loss in postmenopausal rheumatoid arthritis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alendronate / pharmacology
  • Animals
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / pharmacology
  • Arthritis / drug therapy
  • Biomarkers / metabolism
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Down-Regulation*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / genetics*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred DBA
  • Organometallic Compounds / pharmacology*
  • Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Biomarkers
  • Organometallic Compounds
  • tricarbonylchloro(glycinato)ruthenium(II)
  • Alendronate