The effect of human placental extract on rheumatoid arthritis in an animal model

Abstract

Objective To assess the efficacy of human placental extract (HPE) in an animal model of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Method We used (i) KRN C57BL/6 TCR transgenic x NOD mice (KBx/N) serum transfer arthritis and (ii) collageninduced arthritis (CIA) mice to evaluate the efficacy of HPE (1 ul or 100 ul, intra-peritoneal, three times per week) on RA. Incidence, severity of arthritis, and hind-paw thickness were quantified. Joint destruction was analyzed using modified mammographic imaging. Histopathological analysis for inflammation, cartilage, and osteoclasts was performed using Hematoxylin-eosin (H-E), safranin-O, and tartrate-resistant acidic phosphatase (TRAP). ELISAs were used for detection of various cytokines in serum and joint tissue. Results Th ere were no significant differences in incidence of arthritis, clinical scores of arthritis, and hind-paw thickness between HPE-treated and vehicle-treated groups for up to 2 weeks in the KBx/N serum transfer arthritis model. Histopathological analysis also showed no differences 2 weeks after treatment. Levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, and RANKL in serum and joint tissues were similar in all groups. Furthermore, there were no differences in clinical, radiological, and histological parameters between HPE-treated and vehicle-treated group for 3 weeks in the CIA model. Conclusion Systemic treatment with HPE has no beneficial effects on arthritis in animal models of RA. Th erefore, indiscreet use of HPE in RA should be forbidden. ? 2012 by Korean Academy of Rehabilitation Medicine.