Blocking extracellular Galectin-3 in patients with osteoarthritis

• Published in: Contemporary clinical trials communications Vol. 17; p. 100500
• Main Authors: Andrews, Alec R., Fernandes, Ana D., Brownmiller, Seth E., Hanna, Yousif, Fisher, Mark C., Huang, Christene A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier Inc 01-03-2020; Elsevier
• Subjects: Galectin-3; Modified citrus pectin; Osteoarthritis; OA; Galectin-3; MCP; Osteoarthritis; Modified citrus pectin; Gal-3; MCP, Modified Citrus Pectin; OA, Osteoarthritis; Gal-3, Galectin-3
• ISSN: 2451-8654; 2451-8654
• DOI: 10.1016/j.conctc.2019.100500

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).
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.
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.
Treatment of knee OA with a 12-week course of MCP did not significantly improve disease burden compared to placebo.