Application and pharmacological mechanism of methotrexate in rheumatoid arthritis
Zixuan Zhao, Zhenglai Hua, Xinyi Luo, Yang Li, Liuchunyang Yu, Ming Li, Cheng Lü, Ting Zhao, Yuanyan Liu
Abstract
Methotrexate (MTX) has been used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) for about forty years and to date MTX remains the part of global standard of treatment for RA. The efficacy of MTX in RA is the result of multiple mechanisms of action. In order to summarize the possible pharmacological mechanisms of MTX in the treatment of RA, this review will elaborate on folate antagonism, promotion of adenosine accumulation, regulation of inflammatory signaling pathways, bone protection and maintenance of immune system function.
Topics & Concepts
Rheumatoid arthritisMethotrexateMedicineImmune systemMechanism (biology)Mechanism of actionAntagonismPharmacologyAdenosineImmunologyInternal medicineReceptorBiologyIn vitroEpistemologyPhilosophyBiochemistryRheumatoid Arthritis Research and TherapiesAutoimmune and Inflammatory Disorders ResearchAdenosine and Purinergic Signaling