Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common autoimmune disease in which killer T-cells of the body’s own immune system attack joint cartilage, resulting in inflammation and joint destruction. The current treatment strategies of suppressing immunity and inflammation have had only limited success. “Oral tolerance” is a long-recognized mechanism for inducing immune tolerance—suppressing immune response. However, rather than suppressing the entire immune system, oral tolerance targets specific immune cells responsible for tissue damage. The application of oral tolerance in autoimmune, allergic, and other immunologic disorders is under investigation. In the case of rheumatoid arthritis, evidence suggests that altered glycosylation (addition of galactose sugar molecules) in IgG antibodies and/or collagen, may underlie the autoimmune response. Inducing the immune system to tolerate joint cartilage rather than identifying it as “foreign,” substance, requires that a sequence of events take place within the immune system of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract mucosa (lining). UC-II™ is a novel, undenatured (intact) form of type II collagen—the major galactose containing protein found in joint and connective tissue. In order to trigger events which lead to immune tolerance, type II collagen must retain its conformation (shape) to be recognized by GI tract lymph tissue (Peyer’s patch). This recognition takes place through active sites called epitopes—the part of collagen which binds to antibodies. Previous studies have shown that small doses of undenatured type II collagen can deactivate killer T-cell attack of joint cartilage in humans. This study examined whether UC-II™ retains its activity when exposed to human digestive fluids, and explored its effects in subjects with arthritic symptoms. Time-dose measurements by ELISA immuno-assay of UC-II™ activity were made during its incubation with simulated gastric fluid. Approximately 50% of the epitopes remained active after 90 minutes. In a pilot clinical study, 5 older women (58-78 years) suffering from significant joint pain were given UC-II™ (10 mg/day) for 42 days. Improvements in pain reduction and joint flexibility were reported, along with reduced morning stiffness. The results of this preliminary research suggest that UC-II™ retains activity within the digestive tract, improves arthritic symptoms, and warrants further clinical investigation. As a dietary supplement, UC-II™ could potentially enhance quality of life in those with joint discomfort.

Source: Bagchi D, Misner B, Bagchi M, Kothari SC, Downs BW, Fafard RD, Pruess HG, Effects of Orally Administered Undenatured Type II Collagen Against Arthritic Inflammatory Diseases: A Mechanistic Exploration, International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology Research, 22:101-110, 2002.