Points of undenatured type II collagen application in musculoskeletal pain syndromes treatment

Abstract

The dominant collagen of the cartilaginous matrix in adults is type II collagen. The amount of type II collagen in the intercellular matrix of cartilage is significantly reduced against the background of musculoskeletal system diseases. The basis of articular cartilage is hyaline cartilage tissue consisting of chondrocytes with tissue-specific antigens that induce the production of antibodies in patients with osteoarthritis (OA). Today, new approaches are being considered in the treatment of OA with the use of udenatured type II collagen (UC-II). Such molecular mechanisms of action of UC-II as the formation of a systemic response through oral tolerance are discussed, since the induction of tolerance is the immune pathway, by default, in the intestine. A number of experimental, preclinical (on volunteers) and clinical studies have shown the effectiveness and safety of the use of UC-II in OA. Standardized extracts of UC-II exhibit anti-inflammatory, immunoregulatory, chondroprotective effects, contributing to the reduction of pain symptoms of OA. Against the background of taking UC-II with induced OA, there is a statistically significant decrease in the level of proinflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL-1β, IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF), C-reactive protein (CRP) in serum and the level of max proteinases (MMP-3), nucleated factor «kappa-bi» (NF-κB) in the knee joint. UC-II significantly inhibits the production of prostaglandin E2 (by 20%) and the expression of genes encoding proinflammatory proteins. In experimental models and in OA patients, a decrease in the severity of pain syndrome, an increase in endurance, mobility and an improvement in the functional state of the joints were noted. Clinically, no changes in the structure of the muscle fiber were detected with increased physical exertion. With OA on the background of UC-II (10-40 mg/s), there was a statistically significant decrease in joint pain according to WOMAC. A promising direction of OA therapy is the combination of UC-II with chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine sulfate.