Amebic monocyte locomotion inhibitory factor peptide ameliorates inflammation in CIA mouse model by downregulation of cell adhesion, inflammation/chemotaxis, and matrix metalloproteinases genes.

OBJECTIVE AND
DESIGN: Monocyte locomotion inhibitory factor (MLIF), an amebic peptide with antiinflammatory properties, was evaluated in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) to test its effects on the onset and acute inflammatory response of arthritis. MATERIAL: DBA1/J mice at 8-10 weeks of age were divided into four groups (eight mice per group). TREATMENT: The adjuvant group received Freund adjuvant, the CIA group was immunized with collagen II, the MLIF/CIA group received collagen II and MLIF, and the MLIF group received MLIF and Freund adjuvant.
METHODS: All groups were evaluated clinically. Seven weeks after the collagen injection, at the peak of the clinical arthritis score, limb specimens were collected and histological studies and gene expression analysis using microarrays were performed.
RESULTS: MLIF administered weekly as a preventive scheme delayed and reduced the severity of acute arthritis. MLIF induced gene changes in functional categories including adhesion molecules, matrix metalloproteinases, and inflammatory cytokines.
CONCLUSIONS: MLIF could be an interesting new molecule to investigate in the field of rheumatoid arthritis pathogenesis research for its potential to prevent inflammation.