![\"arthritis_healed\"](\"http:\/\/blueheronhealthnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/08\/arthritis_healed.jpg\")
Using the body to heal the body is a constant endeavor. Researchers at the National University of Mexico have found one more way that chemicals made in a person\u2019s own body can be used to heal.<\/p>\nUsing the body to heal the body is a constant endeavor. Researchers at the National University of Mexico have found one more way that chemicals made in a person\u2019s own body can be used to heal.<\/p>\n
In this study, the focus was on pain and inflammation of joints affected by arthritis, and relief came from an unlikely place.<\/p>\n
In a study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, scientists looked at the effects of a hormone released by the pituitary gland- prolactin \u2013 on inflammation and pain in joints of arthritis sufferers.<\/p>\n
[adrotate group=”5″]Prolactin is the hormone that stimulates breast development and milk production in women. Researchers studying it in the Mexican study found, though, that it can also stop chondrocyte cell death.<\/p>\n
Chondrocytes are needed in the development and maintenance of healthy cartilage tissue, and for people with inflammatory processes like rheumatoid arthritis, the cells are under constant attack from the body\u2019s own immune system.<\/p>\n
The scientists are looking at whether a treatment using prolactin could be developed that doesn\u2019t directly compromise immunity, like immune-suppressive therapies can do today.<\/p>\n
Ironically, your doctor is probably going to be more concerned if your prolactin level is too high than too low. This is because high prolactin level has been linked to infertility and other health issues. <\/p>\n