Therapeutic effects of Melittin acupoint injection on rheumatoid arthritis through autophagy activation and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway inhibition.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease that leads to cartilage degradation and bone destruction, significantly impacting daily life. Melittin acupoint injection (MAI) is a promising traditional Chinese medicine treatment, but its molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of MAI on RA and elucidate its underlying mechanisms.

Methods

A collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mouse model was established using bovine type II collagen, administered every other day for 28 days. The mice were randomly divided into a CIA model group (MO group), melittin acupoint subcutaneous injection group (ST group), melittin acupoint intramuscular injection group (IT group), and methotrexate group (MT

SUBMITTER: Xi W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12780645 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature