Evidence from In Vivo Studies

Three main therapeutic pathways have been described for the treatment of osteoarthritis:

• therapies that relieve symptoms
• therapies that increase the production of cartilage matrix components
• therapies that inhibit cartilage destruction.¹

ASU Expanscience™ may play a role in osteoarthritis by helping cartilage to regenerate and by preventing its erosion. Indeed, Avocado Soybean Unsaponifiables are thought to help cartilage repair by causing cartilage cells to produce extra TGF-ß. Avocado Soybean Unsaponifiables are also able to inhibit inflammatory mediators as well as molecules known to destroy the cartilage matrix (e.g. MMP-3).²

Several in vivo studies (i.e. studies conducted in animals) have confirmed in vitro data showing that a regulatory effect of ASU Expanscience™ on specific molecular targets might protect cartilage. Data gathered from in vitro and in vivo studies are important since they help shed light on the potential mechanistic role of ASU Expanscience™ in osteoarthritis.

Place the cursor over the superscript number to read the literature sources.

In vivo studies show:

• ASU Expanscience™ increase tissue-regenerating promoting mediators³ :

  • In a study where dogs received ASU daily or every three days, increased levels of TGF-ß1 and TGF-ß2 were found in knee joint fluid as previously suggested in vitro. This study also demonstrated that high levels of TGF-ß are associated with the production of matrix components, such as collagen and proteoglycans, by cartilage cells (see figure).

• ASU Expanscience™ show a positive effect on cartilage in various models⁴ :

  • A study where rats with cartilage destruction were treated with ASU Expanscience™ orally daily for 2 weeks, reduced loss of glycosaminoglycan (found in cartilage and synovial fluid) and hydroxyproline (a major component of collagen) content in the granuloma tissue was observed. In addition, the proliferation of hydroxyproline and ß-D-glucosaminidase activity of the granuloma tissue was found to be significantly reduced. These data show preservation of the implanted cartilage thus suggesting that ASU Expanscience™ might exert a chondroprotective effect possibly through an anti-inflammatory action (see figure). 

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  • A study where sheep had simulated osteoarthritis provided further evidence for a role for ASU Expanscience™ as a disease-modifying agent. ASU Expanscience™ treatment provided a significant positive effect on cartilage as measured by higher proteoglycan content and thicker knee-joint cartilage. A reduction in bone sclerosis (hardening of the bones associated with osteoporosis) was also seen with ASU Expanscience™. The data suggest an additional 'anabolic effect' on cartilage cells, which lead to the production of matrix components (see figure).⁵

Place the cursor over the superscript number to read the literature sources.

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