**5.2 Proteasome inhibition in animal model of arthritis**

Proteasome inhibitors exhibit anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative effects. Their use in diseases characterized by these processes is thought to be promising but the effects of proteasome inhibitors on the pathogenesis of inflammatory join disorder such as RA remain quite limited. To date the effects of proteasome inhibition have been studied only in animal models of arthritis; streptococcal cell wall induced polyarthritis in rats, collagen induced arthritis and adjuvant induced arthritis (Table 1). These animal models have several clinical and pathological similarities with human rheumatoid arthritis regarding inflammation, pain, swelling, synovial hyperplasia and destruction of cartilage and bone [Kannan et al., 2005].


Table 1. List of proteasome inhibitors used in animal models of RA.
