Effect of Autologous Bone Marrow Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Abstract

Background Chronic inflammation causes articular bone and cartilage degeneration in people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Despite recent advances, management of RA is frequently accompanied with negative consequences, and ineffectiveness. Access to treatment is still hampered by many factors including financial restrictions. As a result, medications that reduce inflammation and bone resorption that are both safer and less expensive are required. Mesenchymal stem cells have recently been identified as a potential therapy for rheumatoid arthritis. Aim of Study: The aim of this study was to examine the anti-arthritic effect of rat bone marrow-MSCs, oligosaccharides and human placental extract, individually and combined on RA model, using Complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) induced arthritis in rats. Materials and Methods In female rats, rheumatoid arthritis was induced by injecting Complete Freund's adjuvant in the paw of hind limbs. Treatments with rat bone marrow-mesenchymal stem cells via intravenous route, oligosaccharides, and human placental extract were given individually and in combination via intra-peritoneal route. Measurement of complete blood picture (CBC), ESR, cortisol, urea, uric acid, liver and renal biochemical parameters were carried out to determine the safety and efficacy of the different combinations. Inflammatory cytokines TNF- α, IL-6 and IL-10 were measured to assess anti-inflammatory effects. Histopathological analysis of bone sections was carried out too. Results Our findings showed that adding innovative treatments involving oligosaccharides and human placental extract to rat-bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in a CFA-induced arthritic rat model resulted in a favorable anti-arthritic inflammatory effect as shown in reduction of inflammatory cytokines, with complete safety on blood picture, renal and liver functions, cortisol, and ESR. Histopathological analysis went concurrent with these results showing healing and remodeling of osteoporotic lesions induced in arthritic rat model. Conclusions The combination of rBM-MSCs via intravenous route, with oligosaccharides, and human placental extract could be employed as a powerful therapeutic medication to treat rheumatoid arthritis.