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DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1668204
Randomized Pilot Trial of the Effects of an Egg-Shell Membrane-Based Supplement (Movoflextm) on Mobility and Serum Biomarkers of Inflammation in Dogs with Osteoarthritis
Publication History
Publication Date:
27 July 2018 (online)
Introduction: Despite increasing interest in nutritional supplements, evidence of analgesic efficacy is lacking beyond the omega-3 fatty acids. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the mobility enhancing and systemic anti-inflammatory effects of an eggshell membrane-based nutritional supplement (Movoflex) in dogs with osteoarthritis (OA)-associated pain and mobility impairment.
Materials and Methods: Twenty-seven dogs with OA-associated pain were enrolled into a randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled, parallel group, proof of principle pilot study and received either placebo or Movoflex over a 12-week period. Inflammatory biomarkers (IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, TNF α, C-reactive protein [CRP], S100A12, N-methylhistamine) were measured and owner questionnaires (CBPI and LOAD) completed at Day 0, Day 42 and Day 84.
Results: Twenty-two dogs completed the study. Inflammatory biomarkers all decreased in the Movoflex group compared with the placebo group over 12 weeks, significantly for IL-2 at an α level of 0.1 (p = 0.06, Wilcoxon). CBPI scores were not different between the groups at any time point, but Day 84 LOAD scores were significantly lower in the Movoflex group compared with placebo group (p = 0.034, Wilcoxon), indicating an improvement in client observed mobility.
Discussion/Conclusion: These pilot results suggest administration of Movoflex for 12 weeks may decrease systemic inflammatory biomarkers (IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, TNF α, CRP, S100A12, N-methylhistamine) and improve mobility in dogs with osteoarthritis. These pilot results will allow an appropriately powered definitive study to be performed.
Acknowledgement: The authors wish to thank Corey Moore, S.K. Boyd and Texas A and M Gastrointestinal Laboratory. This study was funded by Virbac North America.
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No conflict of interest has been declared by the author(s).