ArthroVet HA Complex is a supplementary product for dogs and cats with abnormal functions of cartilage tissue and joints. Recommended for both young animals during intensive growth and older animals with osteoarthritis.

PACKAGING

ArthroVet Complex: glucosamine, Glycine max. L. Merr, chondroitin sulphate, magnesium stearate, sodium hyaluronate, stearic acid

EXTRAS

ArthroVet Complex: Persea americana Mill, L-carnitine tartrate, vitamin C 25 mg,  Harpagophytum Procumbens , colloidal silica, manganese oxide, zinc oxide

ArthroVet Complex SB & cats: Harpagophytum Procumbens, Persea americana Mll. , vitamin C, manganese sulphate, copper sulphate, zinc oxide.

ArthroVet Complex: 1 tablet per every 20 kg of body weight.

THE MECHANISM OF ACTION

The mechanism of action of ArthroVet Complex is based on the action of individual components of the product as described in the relevant literature.

1. The product contains three main components of glucosaminoglycans (GAG) extracellular matrix of cartilage tissue that is glucosamine, chondroitin (as sulphate) and hyalurinic acid. An increase in the amount of these components in the animal’s diet may imporve the synthesis of endogenic GAG (glucosamine) and increase the amount of water in cartilage tissue (chondroitin and hyaluronic acid) and thus improve its elasticity. The beneficial effects of glucosamine ans chondroitin sulphate in dogs with osteoarthritis was confirmed in randomised double-trial clinical studies conducted by McCarthy et al. (2007). In the trial the dogs which received glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate showed clinically significant improvement in the parametres of pain, the level of strain on limbs and the level of the advancement of the disease. ArthroVet Complex as one of not many similar products on the market contains hyaluronic acid which is absorbed after oral administration (Balogh et al., 2008) and the use of glucosamine, chondroitin and hyaluronic acid ensures the product’s higher efficiency compared with products containing only glucosamine and chondroitin in the treatment of patients with degenerative lesions in the knee joint (Bucci et al., 2005).
   Vitamin C supports the formation of the proteins of the extracellular matrix of cartilage tissue and acts as a co-enzyme in the synthesis of collagen. Vitamin C is a co-enzyme for prolyl and lysyl hydroxylase, so the essential enzymes in the synthesis of collagen. In the n vitro studies ascorbate and ascorbic acid increased the synthesis of protein and proteoglycans through the cartillage tissue chondrocytes (Ameye and Chee, 2006).
2. The combination of Harpagophytum procubens with non-saponifiable matters of avocado and soy has some anti-inflammatory properties which probably helps it inhibit the activity of two inflammatory enzymes: cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase. In the case of the first one, it is the COX-2 and not COX-1 activity which is inhibited (Gregory et al., 2008). Glycosydes are the active ingredients in the extract of Harpagophytum procubens, especially harpagoside. In the conducted clinical studies, extracts of from 2,0 do 2,5% of harpagoside were used and they were reported to be tolerated well and reduced the pain caused by osteoarthritis (Chantre i wsp., 2000) Comprehensive research conducted on the effect of ASU on osteoarthritis showed that the mixture may inhibit the development of early degenerative lesions. Dogs with osteoarthritis caused by fracture to anterior cruciate ligament received 10mg/kg of body weight of ASU for 8 weeks. After the studies it was concluded that the dogs that had received ASU had far fewer markers indicating damage to the cartilage matrix, including the degeneration of aggrecan. Hyperplasia and the cloning of chondrocytes were also reduced. Also, ASU inhibited the activity of MMP-13 which is the main protease responsible for the degeneration of type II collages. It is also involved in the transformation of sub-cartilage bone and the reabsorption of calcified cartilage tissues in canine osteoarthritis. The inhibition of MMP-13 activity took place in the deep layers of the cartilage, which could explain the inhibition of the development of degenerative lesions in cartilage and the development of the erosion of cartilage. Apart from inhibiting the MMP-13ASU, it also inhibits the iNOS (the inductive form of nitrogen oxide synthesis). It is commonly believed that nitrogen oxide contributes to the development of inflammatory lesions in patients with arthritis and the inhibition of its formation might reduce the occurrence of lesions (Boileau et al., 2009).
3. Manganese, copper and vitamin C support the formation of proteins of the extracellular matrix of cartilage tissue and function as co-enzymes in the synthesis of collagen. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is a co-enzyme for prolyl and lysyl hydroxylase, so the enzymes crucial in the synthesis of collagen. In in vitro studies ascorbate and ascorbic acid increased the synthesis of protein and proteoglycans through the chondrocytes of cartilage tissues (Ameye and Chee, 2006). Manganese is a co-enzyme for the enzymes called glycosyltransferases which are essential in the synthesis of proteoglycans, important in the normal formation of healthy cartilage tissues and bones (Keen et al. 1999) Lysyl oxidase is a copper-dependent enzyme, crucial for the cruciate ligament of collagen and lysyl, which are essential for the formation of durable and flexible connective tissue.
   L-carnitine is a vitamin-like substance responsible for the transfer of fatty acids inside mitochondria in cells, which facilitates their oxidation in the proccess of beta-oxidation of fatty acids and energy production. This is why, it is commonly used in the nutrition of humans and animals as a substance facilitating fat burning (Rebouche, 2006). Its benefits for animals in danger of being overweight or obese have been confirmed by studies conducted on dogs (Rand i wsp., 2003).

So, ArthtoVet HA Complex food contains active substances of scientifically proved meachanism of supporting the functions of joints in patients with osteoarthritis.