Efficacy of STEADFAST® EQUINE joint supplement in a chemically‐induced osteoarthritis rat model

Abstract

The efficacy of STEADFAST® EQUINE joint supplement (SFE) was evaluated in a monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)‐induced osteoarthritis (OA) rat model. SFE is a proprietary blend of natural eggshell membrane, chelated trace minerals and antioxidant vitamins. Seventy‐two male Wistar rats were fed either: 1) rat AIN‐93M diet, 2) As 1+ 1% SFE, or 3) As 1+ 2% SFE (n=24/trt). Rats were fed for 28 d prior to MIA injection, and treatments continued until tissue collection. Injections of MIA (0.6 mg) were administered in the right knee joints at d 0. Changes in hind paw weight distribution (HPWD) and inflammation between the arthritic and contra‐lateral control limb were used to assess joint discomfort at d 1, 4, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 56 post‐MIA injection. Serum biomarkers (PIIANP & CTX‐II) were collected d 7, 14, 28 and 56 post‐injection. Relative to the other treatments, rats fed 2% SFE were able to bear significantly more weight on their arthritic limb on d 14 post ‐MIA injection (P <0.05). Inflammation and HPWD were numerically lower than control at all but one time point. C‐teleopeptide crosslinks type II cartilage (CTXII), a marker of cartilage degradation, was decreased in rats fed 2% SFE at d 7, 14 and 28 (P<0.05) & decreased in rats fed 1% SFE d 28 (P<0.05) relative to control. Thus, our study suggests SFE may reduce pain and decrease cartilage loss in a rat model of OA. STEADFAST® is a trademark of Novus Nutrition Brands, LLC.