New combo therapy reduces pain, enhances immunity of arthritis patients

A research team said Wednesday that the combined use of lactobacillus acidophilus LA-1 (L. acido), vitamin B complex, and curcumin has suppressed joint pain and boost immunity.

Researchers, led by Professors Park Sung-hwan and Cho Mi-ra at the Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine and Yang Chul-woo of the Department of Nephrology at Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, set up two groups using animal models and administered the three drugs and rheumatoid arthritis therapy celecoxib.

From left, Professors Park Sung-hwan and Cho Mi-ra at the Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine Rheumatism Research Center and Yang Chul-woo of the Department of Nephrology at Seoul St. Mary's Hospital

They found that pain control, cartilage protection, and anti-inflammatory activity significantly improved in the combo therapy group.

The expression of cytokines, such as interleukin 1 beta (IL-1B) and 17 (IL-17), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha decreased (TNF-a), fell in the triple-drug group. Cytokines induce inflammation of joint tissues and act as a major cause of cartilage destruction.

Animal subjects administered with L. acido, vitamin B complex, and curcumin also showed an ideal immune regulation of inhibiting IL-17 production while inducing regulatory T cells (Treg) expression.

The increased regulatory T cell expression results in more production of IL-10, an anti-inflammatory cytokine, and balance out the immunity system.

The chance of bacterial infection has increased in patients with immunity disorders as they often receive long-term immunosuppressants. However, the research team discovered an optimal combination of drugs enhances immunity while treating rheumatoid arthritis.

"The complex functions of the vitamin B complex, curcumin, and L. acido help restore immune function through anti-aging, mitochondrial function preservation, and immunity regulation," Professor Cho said. "Taking these three drugs would be effective in preventing various senile immune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis."

The research, “Combination treatment with Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-1, vitamin B, and curcumin ameliorates the progression of osteoarthritis by inhibiting the pro-inflammatory mediators,” was published in the November issue of Immunology Letters.