Figure 1.

Experimental design. A hyperuricemia model was established during the first 3 weeks through the daily administration of potassium oxonate. Subsequently, a model of acute gouty arthritis with hyperuricemia was established via injection of MSU crystals, as described in the Materials and Methods section. This was followed by the administration of TTC, colchicine, or PBS (control) once daily for 7 days. The degree of ankle swelling, inflammation index, and dysfunction index were assessed at 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h after the injection of MSU crystals. Rats were sacrificed to test for proinflammatory cytokines, renal and liver function, lipid profile, and histological analyses.