Cartilage-Sparing Properties of Equine Omega Complete in an Organ Culture Model of Cartilage Inflammation.

The research explores the benefits of Equine Omega Complete (EOC) in preventing inflammation-induced damage to cartilage. The tests, conducted on pig cartilage, indicate that EOC can help maintain cartilage structure amid inflammatory conditions without affecting cell viability.

Objective of the Study

• The aim of the study was to verify the potential anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective (cartilage-protecting) attributes of Equine Omega Complete (EOC), particularly its capacity to shield cartilage from the harmful effects of inflammation. This was analyzed in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated culture model of cartilage inflammation.

Methodology of the Study

• Cartilage explants were prepared from the joints of 17 market-weight pigs aseptically and cultivated at a temperature of 37°C for a total of 120 hours.
• For the last 96 hours, these explants were conditioned with a simulated digestion extract of EOC at concentrations of 0, 36, or 180 μL/mL. In the final 48 hours, they were stimulated with LPS at 0 or 15µg/mL.
• The culture medium was changed every 24 hours, and samples taken from the final 48 hours were examined for biomarkers of cartilage inflammation (prostaglandin E [PGE] and nitric oxide [NO]) as well as for cartilage structure (glycosaminoglycan [GAG]).
• At the end of the experiment, cartilage explants were stained to estimate cell viability.

Findings

• The unconditioned explants stimulated with LPS exhibited a substantial increase in PGE, GAG, and NO levels compared to the unstimulated explants. However, this LPS stimulation did not significantly affect cell viability.
• In both concentrations, EOC successfully prevented a significant LPS-stimulated release of GAG from the cartilage, while not impairing chondrocyte viability.
• Other than this, no notable effects of the treatment were found.

Conclusion

• The research data points to EOC’s non-cytotoxic, chondroprotective effect on cartilage.
• This in vitro study indicates that EOC could be effective in shielding the structure of cartilage from the destructive effects of inflammation, suggesting its potential usage in protecting cartilage health.