Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common inflammatory autoimmune disorder. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have become an integral part of RA therapy. Adverse effects of these drugs are widely expanding. Data implicate the cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a) in the pathophysiology of RA as well as involved in the indo-methacin induced gastrointestinal damage. Pentoxifylline (PTX), a methylxanthine derivative is documented to possess anti-inflammatory and anti-TNF-cc properties.
The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of PTX on edema, serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and TNF-a in experimentally
induced collagen II adjuvant arthritis in albino-rats. Forty-two male albino rats weighing 200-250 grams were •used throughout the study. The animals were divided into seven equal groups. Group (1): Non-arthritic control rats received daily 0.5 ml intra-gastric isotonic saline for 6 weeks. Group (2): Arthritic control rats received daily 0.5ml isotonic saline intragastrically for 6 weeks. Group (3): Arthritic rats treated intragastrically with indomethacin (1.3 mg/kg/day) for 6 weeks. Group (4): Arthritic rats treated with daily intragastric PTX (50 mg/kg) for 6 weeks. Group (5): Arthritic rats treated with PTX (100 mg/kg/ day), intragastrically for 6 weeks. Group (6): Arthritic rats treated with PTX (50 mg/kg/day) given 30 minutes before administration of indomethacin