Yifan Lu,1– 3,* Chengyin Lu,1– 3,* Gonghui Jian,2 Hui Xiong,1– 3 Yang Shu1,2 

1Orthopedics Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, 410000, People’s Republic of China; 2Graduate School, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, 410208, People’s Republic of China; 3Orthopedics Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, 410005, People’s Republic of China

*These authors contributed equally to this work

Correspondence: Yang Shu; Hui Xiong, Email 2741926901@qq.com; 3673148112@qq.com

Background: This study evaluated the therapeutic effects and underlying mechanisms of Juanbi Lijieqing Formula (JBLJQF) in a rat model of gouty arthritis with hyperuricemia.
Methods: Forty-two rats were randomly assigned to seven groups: control, model, etoricoxib, benzbromarone, and low-, medium-, and high-dose JBLJQF. General condition, joint swelling, behavioral performance, biochemical markers, and histopathology were assessed. Urate Anion Transporter 1(URAT1) expression was examined via immunofluorescence and Western blot.
Results: JBLJQF improved general condition, reduced joint swelling, and alleviated kidney damage. Medium- and high-dose groups showed enhanced pain threshold and locomotor activity. Serum uric acid, TNF-α, and IL-1β levels were significantly decreased. URAT1 expression was downregulated, suggesting reduced renal urate reabsorption.
Conclusion: JBLJQF exerts anti-inflammatory, uric acid-lowering, and organ-protective effects in gouty arthritis with hyperuricemia, highlighting its potential for clinical application.

Keywords: Juanbi Lijieqing formula, gouty arthritis, hyperuricemia, anti-inflammatory effects, uric acid-lowering