Locally immunological effects of honey applications in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition that causes joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, it is considered to be an auto-immune disease and it is widely spread in Al Samawah city in Iraq. However, Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties are all provided by honey. It was hypothesized that locally applied honey on infected joints in patients with rheumatoid arthritis could reduce the inflammatory clinical signs in patients. In this study, three groups of patients participated, the rheumatoid arthritis patients with or without local honey applications compared with the control group. A statistical survey for patients with rheumatoid arthritis was conducted according to the statistical records in Al-Hussein General Hospital in Al Samawah city in Iraq to have the statistical distribution in the city. Hematological parameters by Complete Blood Count for groups of patients were done to measure the difference in White blood count, C reactive protein and rheumatoid factor. The protein expression in the synovial fluid in the knee joints was detected by western blotting all groups. The X-Ray was used to detect the bone re/degeneration of bone articulation surface. The results showed that in general most of the infected population in Al Samawah city was males (54%) compared to females (46%), the infections were concentrated in between 20-65 years old at the first season of the year. Hematological, the WBC count, CRP and RF was significantly elevated in Rh patients but it was reduced according to honey intake and local application for 2 weeks. In addition, it was obvious that the inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-17, IL-1 and TNF-alpha) production in the synovial fluid was dramatically reduced after intake and applying honey of the infected joints compared to Rh patients and the control group. The X-ray showed that the articulation surfaces of bones were improved by enhancing the intra-synovial space and synovial fluid increase compared to the X-ray in Rh patients and the control group. Taken together, it is suggested that the inflammatory signs of rheumatoid arthritis could be relieved by two weeks intake and/or external applying of honey solutions on joints of rheumatoid arthritis patients, as honey could act as an anti-inflammatory reagent and enhance the immune system.