Camellia Sinensis Modulates Telomerase in Collagen-Induced Arthritis

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease with undefined pathogenesis. Some evidence suggests that telomerase is involved in the pathogenesis of this disease. This study was done to evaluate the therapeutic potency of Camellia sinensis stew (CSS) which rich in polyphenolic compounds with anti-inflammatory properties in experimental model of rheumatoid arthritis. Methods: In this experimental study, collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) was induced by immunization of Lewis rats. The paws and knees were then removed for histopathology analysis. Moreover, Roentgenogram analysis of normal and arthritic hind paws was performed. Synovial cell harvested from biopsies of synovial tissue were used for measuring telomerase activity. The results were analyzed using SPSS version 16 software. Results: Our data showed that CSS induced a significant reduction in paw edema. Histopathological findings showed reduced inflammatory responses and bone erosion in joints of treated rats. Moreover, CSS showed a significant reduction of telomerase activity compares with control group. Conclusions: Our findings revealed that CSS should be considered as a therapeutic agent in experimental model of rheumatoid arthritis based on its telomerase activity suppression.