Has your horse received antibiotics and/or joint injections? New study supports using avocado/soybean unsaponifiables, glucosamine, and chondroitin sulfate help protect cartilage.
Horse demonstrating competitive ability
The ever-expanding body of research surrounding ASU, glucosamine, and chondroitin sulfate continues to serve as support of their use in horses.
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Nutramax Laboratories Veterinary Sciences, Inc. (“Nutramax”) is pleased to announce the results of a recently published in vitro (cell culture) study* that supports the role of avocado/soybean unsaponifiables (ASU), glucosamine, and chondroitin sulfate in the maintenance of cartilage during antibiotic use.
These results build on earlier research demonstrating that the combination inhibits mediators involved in cartilage breakdown, and by doing so helps to promote joint health and comfort.
Antibiotics are commonly administered intra-articular (into the joint) and through intravenous regional limb perfusion. The study showed that clinically relevant levels of two commonly used antibiotics caused cell death of equine chondrocytes (cartilage cells) that increased with the amount of antibiotic used.
The cell death may be attributed to production of mediators of the inflammatory process that can contribute to cartilage breakdown, such as Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) as shown in this study. PGE2 is recognized for its ability to decrease the synthesis of cartilage components as well as stimulate production of other mediators in the inflammatory process contributing to cartilage breakdown and joint discomfort.
The combination of NMX1000® ASU, TRH122® Chondroitin Sulfate, and FCHG49® Glucosamine was able to significantly reduce the production of PGE2 stimulated by antibiotic use in this study.
The researchers concluded that the combination of ASU, glucosamine, and chondroitin sulfate could serve as a potential agent in opposing the adverse effects of some antibiotic medications in chondrocytes. This expands upon the protective effects already recognized with this combination for supporting joint health and comfort to include opposition of negative effects associated with other modalities.
“The ever-expanding body of research surrounding ASU, glucosamine, and chondroitin sulfate continues to serve as support of their use in any horse,” said Stacey Buzzell, DVM; R&D Technical Services Veterinarian for Nutramax.
“The more we learn about common treatment modalities, in this case, antibiotics, and their effects, the more we see an opportunity for compounds such as these to support positive effects and minimize drawbacks for the benefit of the patient.”
NMX1000® ASU, TRH122® Chondroitin Sulfate, and FCHG49® Glucosamine are found in Cosequin® ASU and Cosequin® ASU Plus powders for horses. For more information, visit CosequinEquine.com or call Customer Service at (888) 886-6442.
About Nutramax Laboratories Veterinary Sciences, Inc.:
Nutramax Laboratories Veterinary Sciences, Inc. develops supplements for animals to help support their quality of life. Products for horses include Cosequin®, the #1 veterinarian-recommended joint health supplement brand^; Welactin® Equine, the #1 veterinarian-recommended Omega-3 fish oil supplement brand†; and Proviable®-EQ, a yeast-based probiotic plus prebiotic digestive health supplement. Companion animal supplements include products for joint health, liver health, behavior, urinary tract health, digestive health, and skin/coat health plus overall wellness. To learn more, call (888) 886-6442 or visit NutramaxLabs.com.
*Mochal-King CA, Rashmir AM, Fortuno LV, et al. VCOT Open 2019;2:e16-e24. doi: 10.1055/s-0039-1693441.
^Source: Survey conducted among equine veterinarians who recommended oral joint health supplements.
†Source: Survey conducted among equine veterinarians who recommended omega-3 fish oil supplements.
Press release provided by Dr. Stacey Buzzell - Nutramax Laboratories Veterinary Sciences