Atomic force microscopy technique used for assessment of the anti-arthritic effect of licochalcone A via suppressing NF-κB activation.

摘要: Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is appropriately applied to the examination of hard surfaces and soft samples with extremely high resolution ultrasensitive force, which cannot be obtained by other imaging techniques, including optical electron microscopy. In current study, AFM was employed evaluate anti-arthritic effect licochalcone A (LCA), a flavonoid isolated from root Chinese medicinal herb Glycyrrhiza inflate, on rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts (RASFs) at nanoscale for first time. The morphology, ultrastructure stiffness RASFs modified LCA as determined AFM, suggesting that most likely exerts an based key role in progression RA. Further studies showed inhibitory IκBα phosphorylation degradation well p65 nuclear translocation contributed altering RASF membrane. Interestingly, IKKβ not detectable RASFs, indicating altered membrane inhibiting NF-κB activation independent phosphorylation. Antigen-induced (AIA) established Sprague Dawley (SD) rats validate LCA, significantly decreased both scores paw swelling AIA rats, inhibits development vivo. Collectively, provides evidence predict drugs should further investigated candidate agent treatment arthritis.