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.
Highlights
Osteoarthritis is a common degenerative joint disease in pets and humans
The positive impact of the specific collagen peptides on cartilage metabolism was demonstrated by an increased accumulation of new synthesized collagen type II (7.5%), aggrecan (5.5%) and elastin (6.3%) at the end of the stimulation period of 2 - 3 weeks
The effectiveness of PETAGILE is clearly demonstrated in primary canine chondrocytes as shown by a statistically significant stimulation of the extracellular cartilage matrix synthesis and the decreased expression of inflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteases
Summary
Osteoarthritis is a common degenerative joint disease in pets and humans. Dogs are used to a lesser extent as working animals like sheepdogs, hunting or guard dogs. Their role as an alternative life partner or pet dog leads to other urban-related alterations in these animals. An extended life span through optimized primary health care or, misconceived animal welfare with overfeeding or an inappropriate diet often leads to a degenerative osteoarthritic joint disease with symptoms of chronic pain and increasing lameness. Some 14 million of these dogs are estimated to be affected by osteoarthritis. Approximately 20% of dogs older than 1 year are suffering from osteoarthritis [6] [7], which implies a reduction in the quality of life for the dogs’ owners
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