Beneficial effects of natural eggshell membrane (NEM) on multiple indices of arthritis in collagen-induced arthritic rats

AbstractObjectives: This study was performed to evaluate the potential efficacy of natural eggshell membrane (NEM) in collagen-induced arthritic rats, a well-established rodent model of inflammation and rheumatoid arthritis.Methods: Rats with developing type II collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) were treated once daily by oral gavage on study days –14 to 17 with vehicle or NEM (52 mg/kg body weight). Rats were euthanized on study day 17. Efficacy was assessed by daily ankle caliper measurements, ankle diameter expressed as area under the curve (AUCd0–17), and histopathologic evaluation of ankles and knees. Serum biomarkers of cartilage function and inflammation [collagen type II C-telopeptide (CTXII), cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), and alpha-2-macroglobulin (A2M)] were measured by ELISA.Results: Treatment with NEM resulted in significant beneficial effects on the daily ankle diameter measurements and ankle diameter AUC. Ankle and knee histopathology scores were significantly reduced (36% and 43...