| Recent knowledge of the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis and
the mechanism of drug effects have enabled the use of new drugs and
drug combinations in rheumatoid arthritis therapy. This study
investigates the efficacy of both enzyme therapy and combined therapy
with cyclosporin in rats with adjuvant arthritis. Rats with adjuvant-
induced arthritis were administered either cyclosporin A (2.5 or 5.0
mg/kg/day per os), a mixture of enzymes (Phlogenzym (PHL); 45 mg/kg
twice daily intrarectally), or a combination of 2.5 mg cyclosporin A
and 90 mg PHL for a period of 40 days from the adjuvant application.
Levels of serum albumin, changes in hind paw swelling and bone
erosions were measured in rats as variables of inflammation and
arthritis-associated destructive changes. Treatment with 5 mg of
cyclosporin A, as well as with the combination therapy with
cyclosporin A plus PHL, significantly inhibited both the inflammation
and destructive arthritis-associated changes. However, 2.5 mg of
cyclosporin A and PHL alone inhibited these disease markers, although
to a lesser extent and at a later stage of arthritis development. The
results show the inhibitory effect of enzyme therapy on rat adjuvant
arthritis, as well as the efficacy of a low dose of cyclosporin A
given in combination with enzyme therapy, which may be useful in the
treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
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