Effects of Arthritis on Hematological and Immune Markers in Rats

Abstract

Background: In last fifty years, much has been written about the abnormalities in hematological and immune markers associated with different types of arthritis as part to investigate and if possible to treat the disease or it common complication(s).

Aim: To detect the effect of arthritis on different hematological parameters as well as on some immune markers.

Methodology: A total 40 adult male rats were selected, prepared, and divided randomly into two groups; an experimental arthritic group (30 rats) subjected for single intradermal injection of complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) at a dose of 0.1 ml into the right hind paw in addition to a negative healthy control group (10 rats). After 3 weeks, all rats were anesthetized by chloroform and subjected for direct collection of blood. Hematological parameters were measured using of automated haemolyser; while level of immune markers were identified by ELISA.

Results: In arthritic rats, there were significant decreases in RBCs, HCT, Hb, MCH, WBCs and neutrophils; while, there were significant increases in PLTs, lymphocytes, monocytes, basophils and eosinophils. However, insignificant differences were recorded between values of MCV and MCHC of both arthritic and healthy groups. For immune markers, the findings of RF and TNF- were revealed a significant elevation in rats of arthritic group when compared to those of healthy group.

Conclusions: Arthritis can cause a significant abnormality in blood parameters as well as in immune markers. Hence, furthermore studies are necessary to estimate the effect of arthritis on other immune markers and all body organs. Also, this study assumed that the using of PLT parameters as markers in arthritic patients or other inflammatory diseases may provide valuable information and better explain the disease pathogenesis or activity since the early diagnosis of arthritis is difficult.