Blocking extracellular Galectin-3 in patients with osteoarthritis
Alec R Andrews1, Ana D Fernandes2, Seth E Brownmiller2
1Center for Transplantation Sciences, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
Objective:
This pilot clinical trial examined the efficacy of blocking extracellular Galectin-3 (Gal-3) with modified citrus pectin (MCP), in patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis (OA).
Methods:
50 patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive MCP or placebo at a dose of 4 g (5 capsules) twice daily for 12 weeks. Serum Gal-3 levels and OA severity were evaluated at baseline and 12 weeks. Gal-3 levels were detected by sandwich ELISA and OA severity was determined using WOMAC-knee, SF-36, and RAPID3 surveys during these visits. MCP tolerability was assessed by a basic metabolic panel during a week 6 follow up visit.
Results:
Patients enrolled in both the MCP treatment and placebo groups shared similar baseline characteristics in OA severity, serum Gal-3 levels, and pain management. Improvement across all surveys was noted independent of supplement or placebo treatment. No significant change in Gal-3 levels were observed in either cohort over the 12-week study.
Conclusion:
Treatment of knee OA with a 12-week course of MCP did not significantly improve disease burden compared to placebo.
