Intra-Articular Injection of Human Placental Extract for Management of Temporomandibular Joint Osteoarthritis in Male Wistar Rats: An Experimental Study

Introduction: Temporomandibular Joint Osteoarthritis (TMJ OA) is a typeof osteoarthritis that specifically affects the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).Human placental extract (HPE) has shown potential as a therapeutic option fortreating temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJ OA). Aim: To evaluate theregenerative effect of HPE in the management of degenerative TMJ OA in male rats.Methods: This investigation conducted on 32 male rats, divided into four groups ofeight animals each; Group I, served as a control, receiving only saline injections and thusrepresenting a baseline, untreated state. Group II, the temporomandibular joint (TMJOA) control group, was subjected to a surgical procedure that created a full-thicknessosteochondral defect via power drills, and these animals were subsequently terminatedtwo weeks post-procedure. Group III was subjected to the same surgical procedure asgroup II then administered HPE via intra-articular injections into the TMJ at a dosageof 10 mg/kg daily for a duration of two weeks; these rats were then euthanized in thefourth week. Group IV was subjected to the same surgical procedure as group II thenadministered HPE via intra-articular injections into the TMJ at a dosage of 10 mg/kgdaily for a duration of two weeks; these rats were then euthanized in the fifth week.Results: Histological evaluation of samples of all rats which injected intra-articularinjection of HPE on TMJ, proved that HPE facilitated healing of temporal bone andarticular disc in comparison with other groups, group IV HPE treated group withsacrificing at 6th week was the nearest to normal group I. Blood results revealed thatall rats which injected intra-articular of HPE on TMJ showed a reduction in levels ofinflammatory markers IL-1β, IL-6, and CRP. Conclusion: HPE has anti-inflammatoryand regenerative properties on TMJ OA according to histological evaluations of ratsand blood sample evaluations by reducing inflammatory markers such as IL-1β, IL-6,and CRP.