Triptolide, a novel diterpenoid triepoxide fromTripterygium wilfordii Hook. f., suppresses the production and gene expression of pro-matrix metalloproteinases 1 and 3 and augments those of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases 1 and 2 in human synovial fibroblasts

Abstract

We have demonstrated for the first time that the therapeutic effects of TWHF in RA are due in part to the novel chondroprotective effect of triptolide via the direct suppression of the production of proMMPs 1 and 3 and the simultaneous up-regulation of TIMPs in IL-1-treated synovial fibroblasts. Triptolide's interference with gene expression of proinflammatory cytokines and its known inhibitory effects on PGE2 production are also probably very effective.