Osteoarthritis, or arthrosis, is a chronic progressive disease characterized by the destruction of the cartilaginous tissue and loss of joint function.
Today, this disease is considered incurable, but the authors of the new study hope to solve the problem of joint degeneration with the help of algae - kelp.
Osteoarthritis is widespread.
The disease is diagnosed in 5-10% of the population of aging developed countries. Symptoms of the disease include stiffness, swelling, soreness of the joints, gradual limitation of mobility. Over the years, arthrosis often results in joint replacement.
At the moment, medicine can offer only a load limitation, physiotherapy and pain medication. Popular in our country drugs based on glucosamine and chondroitin, which allegedly slow down the development of osteoarthritis, in Western medicine do not find scientific support.
The study by Professor Marcy Zenobi-Wong of the Eidgenossische Technische Hochschule and her colleagues Katharina Maniura allows us to look at the treatment of arthrosis more optimistically.
Swiss scientists published their results in Biomaterials Science.
Laminaria extract of the North stops arthrosis.
In vitro experiments have shown that polysaccharide alginate extracted from algae Laminaria hyperborea can stop the death of chondrocytes and the destruction of cartilaginous tissue under the influence of adverse factors. It turned out that the properties of the marine polysaccharide resemble the properties of extracellular protective molecules contained in the cartilage.
Researchers experimented with sulfated derivatives of alginate, treating them with cell cultures under different conditions. It was noted that the compound has bright antioxidant properties, counteracts the oxidative damage of chondrocytes and reduces the population of cells.
Alginate molecules saturated with sulfate groups proved to be the most effective antioxidants for cartilaginous tissue. Alginate sulfate demonstrated immunomodulating properties. He acted as a regulator of the inflammatory process at the cellular level, reducing the expression of proinflammatory genes in macrophages and breaking the "vicious circle" of arthrosis.
In all the experiments, the authors emphasize, sulfated alginate was the best way to protect the cartilage, and not the native polymer molecule.
"These oxidative and immunomodulating properties allow us to assert that the derivatives of laminaria alginate can delay the destruction of cartilaginous tissue. We hope that the new tool will completely stop degeneration, "says the statement of Dr. Markus Rottmar, co-author of the study.
A new approach to the treatment of joint diseases.
According to scientists, the traditional treatment of arthrosis is based on nonspecific anti-inflammatory drugs, usually preparations of the NSAID group. Also in the scheme of therapy include glucocorticoids and hyaluronic acid, which limit pain, but do not affect the outcome of joint disease.
"A clinical solution aimed at the disease itself, rather than symptoms, can significantly improve the quality of arthrosis treatment and the prospects of people suffering from a serious progressive disease. Perhaps the new method will allow us to delay or prevent disability, the replacement of the joint, "- hope the authors.
Potential alginate therapy developed by ETH staff is planned to be highly effective and well tolerated. Laminaria polysaccharides have minimal side effects, and the prospect of influencing the pathogenetic mechanisms of arthrosis looks tempting.
"Today, we plan to move to preclinical trials of sulfated alginates for the modification of the outcomes of arthrosis. The drug will be administered intraarticularly. Ahead of a lot of work, but we have high hopes for this medicine, "- commented on the discovery of Dr. Zenobi-Wong.
medbe. en.