OptiMSM Found in Animal Study to Improve Knee Osteoarthritis.

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) may help stymie osteoarthritis (OA) progression, according to a new animal study (FASEB J. 2008;22:1094.3). The right knee ACL of mature NZW rabbits (n=10) was transected. Five weeks after the surgery, a delivery system for MSM, as OptiMSM®, or a placebo was implanted in the joint. Nine weeks after surgery the recovery of joint tissues were evaluated. The OA gradations of the femoral surface were: Grade I intact surface, Grade II minimal fibrillation, Grade III overt fibrillation, and Grade IV erosion of the articular cartilage surface. The results showed two with Grade III and one with Grade IV (avg. 3.3) in the control group. The MSM-treated group showed one Grade I, three Grade II, one Grade III and two Grade IV (avg. 2.6). Expression of type II collagen and large aggregating proteoglycans in cartilage showed no difference between control and experimental groups, However, the inflammation level in both cartilage and synovial tissue was decreased (P<.01). Researchers concluded that MSM therapy has a potential benefit for non-invasive treatment of OA joints.