Inhibition of glycolysis ameliorate arthritis in adjuvant arthritis rats by inhibiting synoviocyte activation through AMPK/NF-kB pathway

Objective This study aimed to evaluate glycolysis inhibitor which can effectively ameliorate arthritis by inhibiting synoviocyte activation through AMPK/NF-kB pathway in AA rats. Methods Adjuvant arthritis (AA) rats were treated with 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG), glycolysis inhibitor. HE staining and radiological Examination were used for histopathology analysis and evaluation of joint destruction. HKII expression was quantified by immunostaining. Proliferation and migration of synoviocytes were assessed by synovicyte scores of joint, CCK8 and transwell assay. Inflammatory factors and levels of AMPK, p65 and I kappa B alpha were quantified by ELISA analysis and WB. Results We observed that HKII expression was positively correlated with synovial hyperplasia, inflammatory cell infiltration, and cartilage destruction, and glycolysis inhibitor reduces the joint swelling degree, alleviates bone destruction, inhibits the proliferation and migration of synoviocyte, and reduces secretory function of synoviocytes in AA rats. In addition, we investigated that glycolysis inhibitor may inhibit activation of the NF-kappa B signaling pathway by activating the AMPK pathway. Conclusion This study suggests the involvement of energy metabolism in the pathological inflammation process in RA joints. Glycolysis inhibitors might, therefore, provide an opportunity for therapeutic intervention.