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Research Information

(1) UC-II?Shown Effective in Human Volunteers - Mechanism of Action Explored

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common autoimmune disease in which killer T-cells of the body’s own immune system attack joint cartilage, resulting in inflammation and joint destruction. The current treatment strategies of suppressing immunity and inflammation have had only limited success. “Oral tolerance?is a long-recognized mechanism for inducing immune tolerance—suppressing immune response. However, rather than suppressing the entire immune system, oral tolerance targets specific immune cells responsible for tissue damage. The application of oral tolerance in autoimmune, allergic, and other immunologic disorders is under investigation. In the case of rheumatoid arthritis, evidence suggests that altered glycosylation (addition of galactose sugar molecules) in IgG antibodies and/or collagen, may underlie the autoimmune response. Inducing the immune system to tolerate joint cartilage rather than identifying it as "foreign" substance, requires that a sequence of events take place within the immune system of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract mucosa (lining). UC-II?is a novel, undenatured (intact) form of type II collagen—the major galactose containing protein found in joint and connective tissues. In order to trigger events which lead to immune tolerance, type II collagen must retain its conformation (shape) to be recognized by GI tract lymph tissue (Peyer’s patch). This recognition takes place through active sites called epitopes—the part of collagen which bind to antibodies. Previous studies have shown that small doses of undenatured type II collagen can deactivate killer T-cell attacks of joint cartilage in humans. This study examined whether UC-II?retains its activity when exposed to human digestive fluids, and explored its effects in subjects with arthritic symptoms. Time-dose measurements by ELISA immuno-assay of UC-II?activity were made during its incubation with simulated gastric fluid. Approximately 50% of the epitopes remained active after 90 minutes. In a pilot clinical study, five older women (58-78 years) suffering from significant joint pain were given UC-II?(10 mg/day) for 42 days. Improvements in pain reduction and joint flexibility were reported, along with reduced morning stiffness. The results of this preliminary research suggest that UC-II?retains activity within the digestive tract, improves arthritic symptoms, and warrants further clinical investigation. As a dietary supplement, UC-II?could potentially enhance quality of life in those with joint discomfort.

Source: Bagchi D, Misner B, Bagchi M, Kothari SC, Downs BW, Fafard RD, Pruess HG, Effects of Orally Administered Undenatured Type II Collagen Against Arthritic Inflammatory Diseases: A Mechanistic Exploration, International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology Research, 22:101-110, 2002.

(2) Undenatured Type II Collagen (UC-II? May Be Beneficial for Osteoarthritis

Human studies suggest that oral ingestion of undenatured type II collagen, the active compound in UC-II? may alleviate symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Several studies have shown significant improvement in symptoms when patients were supplemented with undenatured type II collagen, including improved joint mobility and flexibility, reduced joint pain, and in some patients, complete remission of symptoms. The fact that osteoarthritis is often characterized by an underlying immune disorder lends itself to the likelihood that an immune-enhancing nutrient such as undenatured type II collagen could be useful in reducing inflammation and redness symptoms of osteoarthritis, as well.

Source: Trentham DE, Halpner AD, Trentham RA, Bagchi M, Kothari S, Preuss HG, Bagchi D, Use of Undenatured Type II Collagen in the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis, Clinical Practice of Alternative Medicine, 2:254-259, 2001.

(3) Undenatured Type II Collagen (UC-II? Found Beneficial for Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis

A human clinical study at Harvard Medical School showed that after three months of treatment with undenatured type II collagen, eight out of 10 patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis had a reduction in both swollen and tender joints. The mean changes from baseline in swollen and tender joint counts for the eight responders at the end of the study were -61% and -54%, respectively. Six patients had > 33% reduction in both swelling and tender joint counts.

Source: Barnett ML Combitchi D, Trentham DE, A Pilot Trial of Oral Type II Collagen in the Treatment of Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, Arthritis and Rheumatism, 39:623-628, 1996.*

(4) Undenatured Type II Collagen (UC-II? Shown to Improve Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Harvard Medical School researchers showed that following treatment with undenatured type II collagen, 21 of 54 rheumatoid arthritis patients (39%) who met the cumulative Paulus criteria (morning stiffness, joint tenderness, joint swelling and erythrocyte sedimentation rate) demonstrated significant improvement, while only 11 of 57 patients (19%) taking a placebo showed improvement.

Source: Barnett ML, Kremer JM, St Clair EW, Clegg DO, Furst D, Weisman M, Fletcher MJF, Chasan-Taber S, Finger E, Morales A, Le-CH, Trentham DE, Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis with Oral Type II Collagen. Results of a Multicenter, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial, Arthritis and Rheumatism, 41:290-297, 1998.*

(5) Undenatured Type II Collagen (UC-II? Found Beneficial for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Researchers at Harvard Medical School found that six of ten rheumatoid arthritis patients taking undenatured type II collagen for three months showed substantial improvement, while one patient recovered completely. In addition, there were no side effects.

In a 90-day, double-blind, placebo-controlled, follow-up study on patients with severe rheumatoid arthritis, Harvard scientists found that 28 patients taking undenatured type II collagen showed significant improvement compared to the placebo group, while four patients recovered completely.

Source: Trentham DE, Dynesius-Trentham RA, Orav EJ, Combitchi-D, Lorenzo C, Sewell KL, Hafler DA, Weiner HL, Effects of Oral Administration of Type II Collagen on Rheumatoid Arthritis, Science, 261:1727-1730, 1993.*