(P23-073-23) GreenShell™ Mussel Reduces Cartilage Breakdown Marker COMP in a 6-Month Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Objectives: Osteoarthritis (OA) causes breakdown of cartilage and inflammation in the joint. GreenShell™ mussels (GSM) may have cartilage sparing and anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to determine if consumption of GSM powder was more effective than placebo at improving biomarker concentrations for cartilage degradation and inflammation in adults with early signs and symptoms of knee OA.

Methods: The Researching Osteoarthritis and GSM (ROAM) study was a 6-month randomised placebo-controlled trial in adults 55-80yrs, screened for signs and symptoms of knee OA (n=117, 65.7yrs±6.43, 75% female). Participants consumed either 3g of powdered whole GSM or placebo (pea protein) daily. Baseline and end of trial blood and urine samples were analysed for the cartilage degradation markers: cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) and C-telopeptide of type II collagen (CTX-II), and the inflammatory markers: interferon-alpha (IFN-α), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), interleukins-12, 17 and 23 (IL-12, IL-17, IL-23) and C-reactive protein (CRP).

Results: The results showed a significant treatment effect for percentage change in COMP (placebo 16.1±35.4% vs. GSM -2.88±25.7%, P=0.02). This suggests GSM reduces serum COMP concentration and is therefore cartilage protective. There was no treatment effect for CTX-II or for any of the inflammatory markers.

Conclusions: The results indicate consumption of GSM could be beneficial to those with early knee OA by reducing cartilage degradation.

Funding Sources: High Value Nutrition, grant number HVN1912 and Sanford Ltd.