Research Proven Benefits of Bioactive Peptides in FlexC CARE

The following are extracted from published clinical studies, in-house studies, and/or case studies and are for reference purposes only. This does not imply that the product from Lifestream Group Pte Ltd is claimed to replicate the same results produced in the studies. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any questions about a medical condition, please consult your physician or other qualified healthcare providers. Any statements or claims made have not been evaluated by the relevant regulatory bodies and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. By using the Site, you agree that you have read and acknowledge the above and the Terms of Use for this Site.

1) Support healthy inflammatory response

Joint swelling is one clinical feature of osteoarthritis (OA),attributed to local inflammation and thickening of synovium

In this test, Bioactive Peptides were shown to suppress LPS-induced inflammatory response, as indicated by a reduced level of nitric oxide concentration (an inflammatory marker).

Note:  

A membrane called the synovium produces a thick fluid that helps keep the cartilage healthy. The synovium can become inflamed and thickens when there is cartilage wear and tear. The inflammation produces extra fluid within the joint, resulting in swelling—and possibly the progression of OA.

2) Promotes production of extracellular matrix (ECM)

Extracellular matrix (ECM) consists of collagen, fibronectin, hyaluronic acid and others. These ECM components play a vital role in tissue repair and regeneration.

a) Procollagen

Procollagen is precursor of collagen synthesized by fibroblasts and other cells in the process of collagen synthesis. In this test, Bioactive Peptides were shown to increase synthesis of procollagen by human fibroblast.

b) Type I collagen

Tendons and ligaments predominantly contains collagen, mostly type I collagen, to provide robust mechanical strength. Promotion of the collagen synthesis by fibroblast cells may lead to a promising treatment for an injured tendon or ligament.Bioactive Peptides were shown to increase type I collagen synthesis in tendon cells. Type I collagen is stained in brown. Tendon cells treated with Bioactive Peptides showed deeper brown, indicating increased levels of type I collagen.

c) Type II collagen

Type II collagen is a major protein in joint cartilage, the smooth, white connective tissue that covers the ends of bones where they come together to form joints. It is believed to contribute most to th etensile behavior of the cartilage tissue

d) Fibronectin

Fibronectin production is an important part of cartilage, tendon, ligament and muscle healing process. In this test, Bioactive Peptides were shown to increase synthesis of fibronectin by human fibroblast.

e) Extracellular matrix (ECM)

In this clinical trial, healthy human volunteers were treated with 50ppm of Bioactive Peptides for 60 days on buttock skin. Biopsies were taken for immunohistochemical assessment of procollagen I, hyaluronic acid and fibronectin. After 60 days of study with the peptides, tissue staining showed a significant increase in the amount of subcutaneous collagen, hyaluronic acid and fibronectin. In other words, Bioactive Peptides stimulate the synthesis of procollagen, hyaluronic acid and fibronectin, which collectively known as ECMin human body.

3) Repair damaged joints

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) plays essential roles in nearly every aspect of cartilage formation and maintenance; it has a great potential in cartilage repair.TGF-β is also known to play a prominent role in the healing process of injured tendon by directing the fibroblast migration and secretion of ECM proteins. It was postulated that production of types I collagen by tendon cells is associated with TGF-β expression.Study 1: Tendon cells treated with Bioactive Peptides were shown to increase concentration of TGF-β in conditioned medium.

Connective tissues in joints such as cartilage, tendons and ligaments are mostly composed of extracellular matrix (ECM). TGF-β1 is a well-known stimulator of ECM biosynthesis. Study 2: Bioactive Peptides were shown to synergise with TGF-β1 to increase ECM biosynthesis