Inhibitory effects of Spirulina in zymosan-induced arthritis in mice
The anti-inflammatory effect of microalgae Spirulina was studied in zymosan-induced arthritis in mice. Four days after the intra-articular injection of zymosan (15 mg/ml), Spirulina (100 and 400 mg/kg per-orally) was administered to animals for 8 days. The mice were than killed and β-glucuronidase w...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Wiley
2002-01-01
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| Series: | Mediators of Inflammation |
| Online Access: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09629350220131917 |
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| Summary: | The anti-inflammatory effect of microalgae Spirulina was studied in zymosan-induced arthritis in mice. Four days after the intra-articular injection of zymosan (15 mg/ml), Spirulina (100 and 400 mg/kg per-orally) was administered to animals for 8 days. The mice were than killed and β-glucuronidase was measured in the synovial fluid. Each knee joint was totally removed for histopathological studies. Spirulina significantly reduced the levels of β-glucuronidase that had been increased by zymosan. Histopathological and ultrastructural studies showed inhibition of the inflammatory reaction, whereas no destruction of cartilage, well-preserved chondrocytes, and normal rough endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria were seen. The anti-arthritic effect exerted by Spirulina as shown in this model may be at least partly due to the previously reported anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties of its constituent, phycocyanin. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the anti-inflammatory effect of Spirulina in an experimental model of arthritis. |
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| ISSN: | 0962-9351 1466-1861 |