▎Cartalax Research

What is the research background of Cartalax?

Discovery process: It was initially discovered during the study of calf kidneys. The polypeptide extract isolated from the kidneys was able to stimulate the renewal of kidney cells in aged rats. Through analysis, it was found that the extract contained various peptides such as Cartalax (AED) and T-35 (EDL). This discovery triggered in-depth research by scientists on the characteristics and functions of Cartalax.

Research on the mechanism of action: Studies have found that Cartalax mainly acts on fibroblasts. Fibroblasts are widely present in tissues such as human cartilage, skin, blood vessels, and kidneys. Cartalax affects cell proliferation and apoptosis through multiple molecular mechanisms, such as increasing the level of the cell proliferation marker Ki-67, reducing p53 signaling, and activating the NF-κB signaling pathway. These effects endow Cartalax with the functions of reducing cell senescence, restoring the function of aged cells, and delaying tissue aging, so it is classified as an anti-aging biological regulator.

Clinical research: In human trials conducted at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology, Cartalax was used to treat patients with osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. The results showed that Cartalax could relieve the pain of 68% of patients with knee osteoarthritis and 53% of patients with spondylarthrosis, improve joint mobility, and show signs of cartilage improvement on imaging, and also had certain benefits for the symptoms of osteoporosis.

What is the mechanism of action of Cartalax?

The role of Cartalax in the oxidation of the lipid micelle system

The influence on the oxidation process

In an in vitro system, Cartalax has a complex influence on the oxidation process. On the one hand, under certain conditions, it can inhibit the Fe2+-induced substrate oxidation process^[1]. The oligopeptide exerts this effect due to the binding of the cationic initiator. This indicates that Cartalax may interfere with the initiation stage of the oxidation reaction by interacting with cations, thereby slowing down the oxidation process.

However, under the oxidation conditions initiated by azobis(isobutyronitrile), Cartalax will accelerate the oxidation. Under these conditions, in the composition with antioxidants, Cartalax acts as an antagonist with other peptides of different chemical structures, greatly reducing the inhibitory effects of β-carotene and α-tocopherol. This means that under specific oxidation initiation conditions, the presence of Cartalax may change the mechanism of action of the antioxidant, weakening its inhibitory effect on oxidation ^[1].

Interaction with other substances

During the oxidation process of the lipid micelle system, Cartalax interacts with other bioactive oligopeptides, model dipeptides and tripeptides, and antioxidants. For example, when co-existing in an in vitro system with substances such as Veron (Lys-Glu), Vesugen (Lys-Glu-Asp), Pineal (Glu-γ-Asp-delta-Arg), honluten (Glu-I-3-Asp-Gly), Egg (Glu-I-3-Asp-Leu), kristagen (Glu-I-3-Asp-Pro), Epithalon (Ala-I-3-Glu-I-3-Asp-Gly), Carnosine (β-Ala-His), Glycylglycine (Gly-Gly), Glycylglycylglycine (Gly-Gly-Gly), Prolylproline (Pro-Pro), Prolylproline (Pro-Pro-Pro), and Glutathione (gamma-Glu-Cys-Gly), its oxidation properties show diversity ^[1].

Experiments have shown that in the presence of peptides, the accumulation rate of hydroperoxides increases, and the absorption rate of antioxidants also changes. This indicates that Cartalax not only affects the oxidation process itself but also has an impact on the accumulation and absorption of other substances during the oxidation process.

The role of mimicking enzymes and natural oxidation inhibitors

The proposed composition of Cartalax mimics the antioxidant effects of enzymes and natural oxidation inhibitors in vitro, which are inherent in living organisms ^[1]. This means that Cartalax may have functions similar to those of enzymes and natural antioxidants in living organisms and has potential significance for maintaining the oxidation balance of organisms.

What are the applications of Cartalax?

Cartilage repair and joint health: Cartalax helps restore the integrity of cartilage tissue by stimulating the protein synthesis of chondrocytes, thereby reducing joint pain and stiffness and improving joint function. Cartalax has shown significant effects in the treatment of diseases such as spondylarthrosis, osteoarthritis, and osteoporosis. It can promote the synthesis of key cartilage proteins such as collagen, support the structural integrity of the cartilage matrix, and help it recover from damage caused by wear or inflammation. In addition, Cartalax also has a preventive effect on the degenerative lesions of the spine and joints in the elderly, helping to delay the occurrence of these lesions and improve the quality of life of the elderly^[2].

Anti-inflammatory effect: Cartalax has anti-inflammatory properties and can regulate the inflammatory response. It affects the production of cytokines by interacting with them and restores a balanced inflammatory response. In the model of induced inflammation, Cartalax reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (such as IL-1β, TNF-α, and COX-2), and at the same time increased the expression of key components of anti-inflammatory and tissue repair pathways such as IL-10 and TGF-β. Grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) can reduce the increase in skin thickness caused by inflammation and regulate the differential count of white blood cells in blood serum samples. Compared with the anti-inflammatory drug indomethacin, GSPE has shown good anti-inflammatory effects (Radhi H, 2021). This anti-inflammatory effect makes Cartalax have potential application value in the treatment of various inflammatory diseases, especially in arthritis and other inflammatory joint diseases ^[2].

Tissue regeneration: Cartalax may support the regenerative potential of various tissues by stimulating the proliferation of stem cells and progenitor cells. In vitro studies have shown that Cartalax may increase the proliferation rate of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which are crucial for tissue repair and maintenance because they can differentiate into specialized cell types required to maintain tissue function. This characteristic makes Cartalax have broad application prospects in the fields of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, especially in the regeneration of cartilage and bone tissues^[2].

Exercise recovery: Cartalax also has applications in sports medicine, especially among athletes or people who engage in strenuous exercise. It can support joint health, reduce exercise-induced joint damage, and promote cartilage repair. For athletes who often engage in high-intensity training, Cartalax can help them recover faster after training and competitions and reduce joint problems caused by overuse.

Systemic diseases and the perioperative period: Cartalax is also applied in systemic connective tissue diseases and during the preoperative and postoperative periods of joint surgery. In systemic connective tissue diseases, Cartalax helps to regulate the immune response, reduce inflammation, and protect joint and cartilage tissues. During the preoperative and postoperative periods of joint surgery, Cartalax can help prevent bone and joint damage and promote postoperative recovery, reducing the occurrence of postoperative complications.

Prevention of degenerative lesions in the elderly: For the elderly, Cartalax helps prevent the degenerative lesions of the spine and joints. With the increase of age, the natural degeneration of cartilage and joint tissues is inevitable, but Cartalax can delay this process by stimulating the activity of chondrocytes and promoting the synthesis of collagen, improve joint function, and improve the quality of life of the elderly.

Skin health: Research shows that Cartalax may enhance the elasticity and structure of the skin by promoting the synthesis of collagen or improving the function of skin cells. This makes Cartalax have potential application value in the fields of skin care and anti-aging, especially in improving skin texture and reducing wrinkles^[2].

Renal protection: Some studies have shown that Cartalax may have a protective effect on renal function and structure. It may protect the kidneys from damage by affecting the cellular processes in the kidneys, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. This renal protective effect makes Cartalax have potential application value in the treatment of kidney diseases and related diseases.

Anti-aging: Cartalax is considered an anti-aging peptide that can slow down certain aspects of the aging process by affecting various cellular mechanisms. It may improve overall vitality and health by regulating the cell cycle, reducing oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, and promoting tissue repair and regeneration. This anti-aging characteristic makes Cartalax have potential application value in delaying aging-related diseases and improving overall health^[2].

The mechanism of action of Cartalax is complex, having a dual impact on the oxidation process. It can interact with a variety of substances and simulate antioxidant functions. Its applications are extensive, demonstrating potential in multiple fields such as tissue regeneration, sports recovery, disease treatment, and skin health.

About The Author

The above-mentioned materials are all researched, edited and compiled by Peptisource.

Scientific Journal Author

Storozhok N M is a researcher associated with Tyumen State Medical University, N.N. Semenov Federal Research Centre for Chemical Physics at the Russian Academy of Sciences, and TYUMEN INST MED. His work involves interdisciplinary research in Chemistry, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Biophysics, Cell Biology, and Physics. He has made significant contributions to these fields through his academic and research activities. Storozhok N M is listed in the reference of citation [1].

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