TITLE:
The Effectiveness of Specific Collagen Peptides on Osteoarthritis in Dogs-Impact on Metabolic Processes in Canine Chondrocytes
AUTHORS:
Michael Schunck, Helen Louton, Steffen Oesser
KEYWORDS:
Specific Collagen Peptides, Osteoarthritis, Dogs, Metabolism, Cartilage Tissue
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Animal Sciences,
Vol.7 No.3,
July
6,
2017
ABSTRACT: In clinical trials over the past decade, the
beneficial effect of orally administered collagen peptides in osteoarthritic
dogs has been clearly demonstrated [1] [2] [3]. Although a statistically
significant improvement in the lameness and vitality of dogs in general has
been documented, the mode of action of the collagen peptide treatment is still
under discussion. A previous study [3] indicated that the reduction in lameness
and increased mobility in dogs after collagen peptide treatment were associated
with a statistically significantly lowered plasma content of MMP-3, which is involved
in collagen degradation. In addition, the content of the MMP-antagonist TIMP-1
increased slightly after collagen peptide supplementation, suggesting a direct
impact on the cartilage metabolism, particularly on the decrease of
extracellular matrix degradation. Based on these findings, the impact of
specific collagen peptides (PETA-GILE?) on cartilage metabolism was tested in canine chondrocytes in the current investigation.
In addition to the biosynthesis of various matrix molecules (type II collagen,
aggrecan and elastin), the RNA profile of inflammatory cytokines and degenerative
matrix molecules was investigated. The results showed clearly that the
supplementation of specific collagen peptides reduced catabolic processes, as
indicated by a statistically significant decrease in inflammatory cytokines and
proteases in canine chondrocytes compared with untreated control experiments.
In addition, a statistically significantly enhanced biosynthesis of type II
collagen, elastin, and aggrecan was observed. Hence, the current data supports
the suggested anti-inflammatory effect of specific collagen peptides, but also
clearly demonstrates a pronounced stimulatory impact on matrix molecule
synthesis. A combination of both observed effects might help to explain the
previously reported clinical improvements after collagen peptide
supplementation. Furthermore, the beneficial effect of the specific collagen
peptides was also confirmed in case reports on osteoarthritic dogs that
demonstrated decreased lameness and increased vitality in the affected animals
after PETAGILE treatment.