Modulatory effect of mycophenolate mofetil on carrageenan-induced inflammation in the mouse air pouch model

The treatment of some inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, remains an important target for studies because some patients are refractory to conventional treatment. Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), an immunosuppressive drug, has been shown to have a beneficial effect on the therapy of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. In the present study, we aimed to analyse the anti-inflammatory effect of MMF administered by oral route in the mouse carrageenan-induced air pouch model. Results: MMF significantly inhibited the influx of leukocytes, exudate concentrations (P < 0.01), activities of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and adenosine deaminase (ADA), levels of nitrite/nitrate (NOx) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA expression, as well as the levels of mRNA expression and proteins of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), Interleukin-beta (IL-1β) and vascular endothelial growth factor-alpha (VEGF-α) (P < 0.05). These results provide evidence that MMF has an important anti-inflammatory effect in reducing the influx of leukocytes and exudate concentrations. These inhibitory effects are correlated with the inhibition of specific pro-inflammatory enzymes (MPO, ADA and iNOS), and the levels of mRNA expression and proteins of TNF-α, IL-1β and VEGF-α.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► We showed the anti-inflammatory effect of Mycophenolate mofetil in in vivo model. ► Mycophenolate mofetil inhibited leukocytes migration and, exudate concentrations. ► Mycophenolate mofetil decreased myeloperoxidase and adenosine-deaminase activities. ► Mycophenolate mofetil caused an important decreased of nitric oxide. ► Mycophenolate mofetil also inhibited pro-inflammatory cytokines.