San Diego, CA, December 7, 2007--Researchers from the University of California, San Diego presented new research findings yesterday at the 2007 World Congress on Osteoarthritis in Ft. Lauderdale, providing the first evidence of how methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) may protect articular cartilage and reduce inflammation in osteoarthritis. The form of MSM used in the study, OptiMSM was provided by Bergstrom Nutrition, Vancouver WA.

The study examined the effect of OptiMSM on healthy and osteoarthritic articular cartilage from post mortem human knees. Researchers focused on the expression of specific genes related to cartilage degradation and markers of inflammation, called cytokines. Over-expression of these genes and their related proteins are associated with the progression of osteoarthritis.

The study showed reduced expression of genes for pro-inflammatory cytokines and cartilage degrading enzymes. "It suggests that MSM acts as a barrier, shielding cartilage in early stages of osteoarthritis from further degeneration from inflammatory cytokines and cartilage degrading enzymes," says cartilage biology expert and lead researcher, David Amiel, Ph.D., Connective Tissue Biochemistry, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California San Diego. The research team also included Yasushi Oshima, M.D., Ph.D. "This initial exploratory study aligns with the clinical evidence previously published by Kim et al. in Osteoarthritis and Cartilage Journal, March 2006, both on OptiMSM," Dr. Amiel added.

The researchers point out that, while the in vitro study is significant in revealing the protective action of OptiMSM, additional investigations are required to specify the optimum dose concentration for use in supplements by humans. The generally recommended dosage is 1,500 to 6,000 mg of MSM per day. More research is being planned for 2008. Abstracts of research available at www.msmguide.com.