Prolactin has the potential to treat rheumatoid arthritis

A hormone called prolactin could be used as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory joint diseases, says research published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation.

A team from the National University of Mexico found that prolactin can minimise the death of cartilage cells, reducing the degradation of the tissue at joints.

Prolactin is released by a gland in the brain and is known to stimulate milk production in women. But tests on animals show it can also reduce inflammation, pain and bone erosion.

The implications

“Prolactin is present in rheumatoid arthritis synovial fluid is produced by rheumatoid arthritis synovial cells and can influence cartilage survival by exerting immunoregulatory effects,” the team explains.

Next steps

Arthritis Research UK highlights that the role of prolactin in inflammatory arthritis is confusing.

 “Some studies have suggested that prolactin may be beneficial in diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis whilst others suggest that it may worsen some features of disease,” says a spokesperson. “This research, studying prolactin in the laboratory and using a rat model of arthritis, suggests that one of the ways that prolactin could provide benefit is by reducing pro-inflammatory molecules and preventing cartilage cells from dying.

 “However, it would be necessary to understand the role of prolactin more fully before this could be considered as a potential therapy for people with arthritis.”