New Research Demonstrates Value Of Glyco-Flex(R) For Canine Joint Support

Main Category: Veterinary
Also Included In: Bones / Orthopedics;  Arthritis / Rheumatology;  Clinical Trials / Drug Trials
Article Date: 16 Jan 2007 - 0:00 PDT

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Washington State University researchers released results from three studies that strongly suggest that Glyco-Flex III, an animal health product formulated by Vetri-Science Laboratories of Vermont, is a safe and beneficial option for use in dogs requiring joint support.

An estimated 14 million dogs suffer from joint problems, which is the sixth-leading cause for which dog owners seek veterinary treatment for their pets.

"We're pleased that a respected institution like Washington State University has expanded the scientific research available on the benefits of Glyco-Flex," said Dale R. Metz, CEO of FoodScience Corporation, the parent company of Vetri-Science. "Researchers continue to confirm what we've known for more than two decades: Glyco-Flex offers an excellent non-pharmaceutical option for animals in need of joint support."

Steven A. Martinez, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVS, with the university's College of Veterinary Medicine, and Jaime A. Yanez, a Ph.D. candidate in the university's College of Pharmacy, presented the results at an opening session of the 2007 North American Veterinary Conference (NAVC), one of the profession's largest continuing education programs serving all veterinary professionals.

As non-pharmaceutical treatment of joint conditions in humans has grown in prevalence, veterinary medicine began applying some of the lessons learned in treating human joint conditions. In 1981, Vetri-Science, a leader in research and product development of high-quality supplements for large and small animals, developed Glyco-Flex. Glyco-Flex is a proprietary health product for dogs, cats and horses containing ingredients clinically proven to promote joint and connective tissue health.

First study shows improved movement in dogs using Glyco-Flex III

In a randomized, double-blind, cross over design dog study, a stifle osteoarthritis (OA) model was used to determine if Glyco-Flex III could reduce cartilage breakdown and help normalize joint function. The results of the study suggest that Glyco-Flex III may reduce the severity of cartilage breakdown and synovitis, and help normalize joint function in dogs with stifle joints affected by OA.

Other studies confirms Glyco-Flex III's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties

In the second WSU study, canine chondrocytes were used in cell culture experiments to assess the effects of Glyco-Flex III tablets on key markers of inflammation. Glyco-Flex III tablets showed positive reductions in nitric oxide (NO), soluble collagen, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, IL-6, PGE(2) and matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3), which are key markers of inflammation.

Thus, Glyco-Flex III appears to reduce cartilage breakdown, inhibit cytokine- induced NO and PGE(2) production, and reduce proteolytic breakdown.

In the third WSU study, canine chondrocytes were used in cell culture experiments to assess the effects of the main active constituents in Glyco- Flex III on key markers of inflammation. These key ingredients - Perna canaliculus, glucosamine, MSM, DMG and grape seed extract - showed positive reductions in NO, soluble collagen, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, IL-6, PGE(2) and MMP-3, which are key markers of inflammation. They also appear to reduce cartilage breakdown, inhibit cytokine-induced NO and PGE(2) production and reduce proteolytic breakdown.

These latter two in vitro studies demonstrate some of the key pathways and mechanisms by which the main components of Glyco-Flex III may function in the joint. The results also suggest that Glyco-Flex III and its active components have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Glyco-Flex also tested for safety

The WSU studies bring to 14 the number of Vetri-Science-sponsored research studies that have been conducted at leading universities and by independent researchers exploring the safety and benefits of Glyco-Flex. Studies have been conducted measuring everything from veterinarians' satisfaction with Glyco- Flex to the documented presence of anti-inflammatory agents in the supplement.

One in vivo study evaluated Glyco-Flex's safety, even when given to animals at doses much higher than ordinarily recommended. In this clinical trial, Glyco-Flex III was fed to a treatment group of dogs for 56 days. Blood and urine tests performed on the treated dogs were all within the normal ranges and were consistent between groups in each phase of the study. The dogs' appetites and weights also were unchanged.

Summaries of all the studies are detailed in a brochure titled "Glyco-Flex and Its Active Ingredients: Clinical and Research Studies", which is available from the company or any Vetri-Science Sales Representative or distributor.

The Glyco-Flex difference

Glyco-Flex contains a unique combination of GlycOmega(TM) (Perna canaliculus from an exclusive New Zealand source) plus DMG, Glucosamine, MSM and other active ingredients that have been proven beneficial for dogs requiring joint support. Significantly, it is the only clinically researched, Perna-based joint support product available.

Perna canaliculus, commonly known as the New Zealand green-lipped mussel, is a natural source of glycosaminoglycans (including chondroitin-4 and -6 sulfates and hyaluronic acid), minerals, amino acids and omega 3 fatty acids - compounds that can make a significant contribution to canine mobility and comfort. Only Glyco-Flex products are formulated with GlycOmega(TM) Perna. Unlike Perna extract-based products and mussel powders which lack important fatty acids and other bioactive components (e.g. defatted powders or extracts), in Glyco-Flex the entire organism is utilized, resulting in higher levels of anti- inflammatory activity. Moreover, a balanced blend of ingredients is then available to the patient in the same relative proportions as they occur in nature.

Dimethylglycine (DMG) is a naturally occurring compound that has been shown to support joint structure and function. Studies also indicate that DMG acts as a powerful antioxidant to help promote healthy joints and connective tissues. Four U.S. patents have been awarded to Vetri- Science Laboratories based on over twenty years of research into the properties of DMG.

Glucosamine hydrochloride is an ingredient clinically proven to promote canine joint health. The glucosamine used in all Glyco-Flex products is guaranteed to be 99% pure. Every lot is tested for quality to ensure patients receive the highest quality, human-grade glucosamine available.

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) has been demonstrated to provide hip and joint support. The MSM used in Glyco-Flex products is guaranteed to be 99% pure. Every lot is tested for quality to ensure patients receive the highest quality, human-grade MSM available.

NOTE:

Glyco-Flex is an animal health product. Vetri-Science does not purport that Glyco-Flex cures, mitigates, treats or prevents any disease. The conclusions reached in these studies are the observations of independent researchers and as such, should not be misconstrued as a claim made by Vetri- Science regarding the benefits of Glyco-Flex. These studies were conducted to better understand scientifically how the product and ingredients work, not to support any claim.

ABOUT VETRI-SCIENCE

For more than 25 years, Vetri-Science Laboratories of Vermont has been a leader in research and product development of high-quality supplements for large and small animals. A division of FoodScience Corporation, Vetri-Science is headquartered in Essex Junction, Vermont, and produces only the purest, most reliable products to meet the exacting standards of today's veterinarians as well as dog, cat and horse owners.

Vetri-Science
http://www.vetriscience.com/

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