San Diego, CA, April 8, 2008 -- A new study presented today at the Experimental Biology 2008 Annual Meeting, by researchers from the University of California, San Diego, revealed a protective effect of OptiMSM upon the development of osteoarthritis of the knee in an animal model. OptiMSM is an ultra high purity form of the naturally occurring dietary ingredient, MSM (methylsulfonylmethane). Several published clinical trials, with MSM alone or in combination with other natural dietary ingredients, have shown a positive effect upon supporting joint function among persons living with osteoarthritis.

In the current study, cartilage biologist and Professor David Amiel, of the Department of
Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of California San Diego, La Jolla, and colleagues used a research-validated model mimicking the development of osteoarthritis of the knee. Five weeks after the surgery that induced progressive osteoarthritis, the animals had a mini pump implanted in their thighs, to deliver OptiMSM or a placebo solution, for 4 weeks. After 4 weeks the animals receiving OptiMSM showed significantly lower expression of the pro-inflammatory mediator, TNF-alpha, in both cartilage and synovial tissues. The synovium is the tissue that lines the cartilage-free surfaces of the joints. Additionally, the Outerbridge score, a validated classification to grade the degree of cartilage damage, indicated a preservation of the cartilage matrix and joint surface smoothness relative to the placebo group.

"The anti-inflammatory effects of MSM in this animal model of osteoarthritis were notable," offered Dr. Amiel. "We used a small number of animals in this pilot study but the results suggest that MSM could delay the progression of osteoarthritis, perhaps through an anti-inflammatory effect. These results also align with our in vitro study performed on human knee joints, published last December in Osteoarthritis and Cartilage Journal.

Collectively, they offer a mechanistic insight that may partly explain the efficacy seen with MSM in placebo-controlled clinical trials," he added.

"We are pleased with these findings, which reinforce our commitment to sponsoring both pre-clinical and clinical research," said Tony Keller, President of Bergstrom Nutrition, the manufacturers and marketers of OptiMSM and the sponsor of the study. Our clinical research program for 2008-2009 will expand upon the work of Dr. Amiel's laboratory, and prior clinical trials we have sponsored. We will also be exploring innovative directions that will illuminate new uses for OptiMSM," he concluded.