The Effect of Human Placental Extract on Rheumatoid Arthritis in an Animal Model

Abstract

ObjectiveTo assess the efficacy of human placental extract (HPE) in an animal model of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodWe used (i) KRN C57BL/6 TCR transgenic x NOD mice (KBx/N) serum transfer arthritis and (ii) collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mice to evaluate the effi cacy of HPE (1 ul or 100 ul, intra-peritoneal, three times per week) on RA. Incidence, severity of arthritis, and hind-paw thickness were quantifi ed. Joint destruction was analyzed using modifi ed 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.ResultsThere 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.ConclusionSystemic treatment with HPE has no beneficial effects on arthritis in animal models of RA. Therefore, indiscreet use of HPE in RA should be forbidden.

Human placental extract reduces allergic inflammation in a murine allergic rhinitis model

“…Previous studies have demonstrated the immune inhibitory effect of HPE in allergic dermatitis and arthritis . We hypothesize that HPE might impair the distribution of CD4+ T lymphocytes, thereby inhibiting the allergic response.…”

“…Furthermore, HPE has been used widely for the improvement of fatigue, anti‐inflammation, and anti‐aging. Despite this popularity, the efficacy and mechanism of HPE has not been sufficiently studied …”

“…Despite this popularity, the efficacy and mechanism of HPE has not been sufficiently studied. 2,3 Multiple studies have demonstrated the immunosuppressive effects of HPE. It has been reported that HPE inhibited the graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) that is associated with T lymphocytes.…”

“…5 Previous studies have demonstrated the immune inhibitory effect of HPE in allergic dermatitis and arthritis. 3,6 We hypothesize that HPE might impair the distribution of CD41 T lymphocytes, thereby inhibiting the allergic response. In this study, we addressed the immunotherapeutic potential of HPE in a murine AR model and explored its immunological mechanisms.…”

Department of Biological Sciences, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria.

“…The tissues were processed and 6 µm thick sections were stained in hematoxylin and eosin using the methods of Park et al (2012). Figure 4C1 and C2); this implies that the form of cell death was caused by oxidative stress which involves production of superoxide anions that can induce peroxidation of lipids and cause damage to membranes.…”