Epigenetic Cartilage Protector
Epigenetics Protects Our Joints
Short Description:
ECP® – Epigenetic Cartilage Protector is an innovative dietary supplement based on the principles of applied epigenetics. It contains the biologically active form of S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine (SAM-e), which is combined in a gastro-resistant capsule form with important vitamins and trace elements to protect and regenerate joint cartilage and intervertebral discs. SAM-e has anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving properties and promotes cell regeneration, particularly in degenerative joint conditions like osteoarthritis. It also supports the biosynthesis of spermidine, which has a chondroprotective effect. ECP® thus contributes to the improvement of joint function and structure, while protecting against cartilage and intervertebral disc degeneration.
ECP® – Epigenetic Cartilage Protector
A dietary supplement based on applied epigenetics with the highest possible proportion of the biologically active form of S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine as a coated granulate, along with the vitamins and trace elements essential for its biosynthesis, in a preventive dosage in gastro-resistant capsules.
The epigenetic mechanism of DNA methylation has a protective and regenerative effect on joint cartilage and intervertebral discs.
S-Adenosylmethionine (SAM-e, Ademetionine) in ECP
S-Adenosylmethionine (SAM-e, Ademetionine) has proven anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, and tissue-promoting properties, especially useful for joint complaints such as osteoarthritis, which causes joint pain and reduced joint function [Jacobsen et al., 1991; Di Padova, 1987; Harmand et al., 1987].
Structure of S-Adenosylmethionine
The chemical structure of S-Adenosylmethionine was first described by Cantoni in 1952 (Cantoni, 1952), but a commercially viable parenteral product, a stabilized p-toluenesulfonate derivative, was only available in Italy in 1974 (Chavez, 2000).
S-Adenosylmethionine is derived from the sulfur-containing amino acid methionine and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in the presence of Mg++, Co++, Mn++, and acts in the body on a variety of critical biochemical pathways.
Sources:
Cantoni C. J. 1952. S-adenosyl-1-methionine: a new intermediate formed enzymatically from L-methionine and adenosine triphosphate. J Am Chem Soc.; 74: 29–42.
Chavez, M. 2000. SAMe: S-Adenosylmethionine. Am. J. Health Syst. Pharm. 57: 119–123
S-Adenosylmethionine (SAM, Ademetionine) is the sole methyl group donor for the DNA code.
Methionine adenosyltransferase (MAT) is responsible for synthesizing S-Adenosylmethionine from methionine and ATP, maintaining methylation in somatic tissue, and ensuring the normal development of an organism, making it indispensable for cell survival.
S-Adenosylmethionine is essential for three main metabolic pathways in the cell:
For transmethylation, where methyl groups (-CH3) from S-Adenosylmethionine are reversibly attached to the 5′ position on the cytosine ring of DNA genetic information, temporarily silencing genes without altering the DNA code.
For transsulfuration, leading to the synthesis of glutathione, the most potent antioxidant protecting against oxidative cell damage.
Biosynthesis of spermidine and spermine through aminopropylation.
Therefore, S-Adenosylmethionine is a central regulator of cell metabolism, influencing cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and cell death.
S-Adenosylmethionine Stimulates Cartilage Formation in Osteoarthritis
In osteoarthritis, molecular-level matrix-degrading enzymes, cytokines, and growth factors contribute to the destruction of collagen in the cartilage surface. Chondrocytes, the cartilage-forming cells, respond to this defect by increasing new cartilage formation, though this new cartilage is less resilient than the original. Over time, the cartilage surface becomes rougher, thinner, and cracked. Eventually, enough cartilage is lost that the joint bones begin to rub directly against each other.
The worn-down cartilage material enters the joint fluid and irritates the synovial membrane (as shown in the image), which can trigger a temporary inflammatory response in the synovial membrane: activated osteoarthritis.
Sources:
Annette Immel-Sehr. Osteoarthritis – Cartilage and Bone in Distress https://www.pharmazeutische-zeitung.de/ausgabe-052018/knorpel-und-knochen-in-bedraengnis/
S-Adenosylmethionine (SAM, Ademetionine) is a Necessary Part of SPERMIDINE Synthesis
Experimental studies show that Ademetionine (S-Adenosylmethionine) increases chondrocyte proteoglycan synthesis and their proliferation rate. It induces spermidine synthesis, which stabilizes the polyanionic macromolecules of proteoglycans and protects them from proteolytic and glycolytic enzyme attacks. Ademetionine (S-Adenosylmethionine) restores baseline conditions in synovial cells after cytokine-induced cell damage.
Studies:
A stimulating effect of Ademetionine (S-Adenosylmethionine) on chondrocytes was demonstrated in studies using human chondrocyte cultures (Harmand, Vilamitjana, Maloche et al., 1987), and it was also shown to increase sulfate incorporation into proteoglycans (Harnand, Vilamitjana, Maoche et al., 1987). Furthermore, Ademetionine (S-Adenosylmethionine) enters synovial fluid after oral doses of 400 mg (Giulidori, Cortellaro, Moreo et al., 1984), suggesting a plausible mechanism by which Ademetionine (S-Adenosylmethionine) can affect and alleviate osteoarthritis.
Sources:
Hosea Blewett, HJ. (2008). Exploring the mechanisms behind S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 48(5): 458‐463 doi:10.1080/10408390701429526
Hardy M., Coulter I., Morton SC, et al. (2002). S-adenosyl-L-methionine for the treatment of depression, arthrosis, and liver diseases. Evidence Reports / Technology Assessments, No. 64. Rockville (MD): Health Research and Quality Agency (USA)
ECP® – Epigenetic Cartilage Protector contains naturally occurring substances in the body:
Ademetionine (S-Adenosylmethionine)
The production of S-Adenosylmethionine (Ademetionine) in humans primarily occurs in the liver. A liver-healthy adult under 30 synthesizes approximately 8 grams of S-Adenosylmethionine per day. The natural occurrence and biosynthesis of Ademetionine in liver cells decline after the age of 35. This age-related decrease in Ademetionine leads to DNA hypomethylation (under-methylation), contributing to various diseases.
To your benefit, we use ADOGRAN®, a coated (acid- and water-resistant) granulate of Ademetionine, with an acid-resistant capsule shell protecting the integrity of the active form of S-Adenosylmethionine (Ademetionine).
Vitamin B12
Supports the metabolic functions of our brain cells, maintaining normal nervous system function and psychological functions (as per Regulation (EU) No. 432/2012). Vitamin B12 also supports Ademetionine production.
We use HYDROXOCOBALAMIN, a form of Vitamin B12 with the best depot effect in brain cells, as it binds well to the body’s transport molecules, circulating in the blood for an extended period and easily converting into one of the bioactive forms, Methylcobalamin or Adenosylcobalamin.
Folic Acid
Contributes to normal amino acid synthesis and supports the availability of the essential amino acid Methionine in the one-carbon cycle. Folic acid also contributes to normal homocysteine metabolism, helping avoid the risk factor of hyperhomocysteinemia, and supports normal psychological function.
We can, across the restrictions set by our genes, control how healthy we are. Epigenetics enables us to.
Sections of our genetic information can be switched on or off, for example by using transmethylation. Using this mechanism, segments of our genes may be silenced and others activated. Gene activity can be modulated without actually changing the gene sequence.
Fact: Ademetionine is the most important biological methyl group donor in our cells employed for this important epigenetic process. ECP® – Epigenetic Cartilage Protector® contains ademetionine.
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ECP® – Epigenetic Cartilage Protector
30 capsules protect for 30 days
Transmethylation
Ademetionine is a methyl group donor, resulting in methylation and silencing of the genetic information in the DNA of the epigenome of MaoB. Ademetionine is linked to four key processes in our metabolism.
Transmethylation is a good example: methyl groups (-CH3) are attached to genes via transmethylation. Genes can be switched on or off by transmethylation and this in turn has an impact on the production of enzymes and proteins.
An important epigenetic control mechanism is transcriptional silencing through methylation: CpG islands in the gene promoter of monoamine oxidase B (MaoB) can be silenced via methylation. This process is dependent on the availability of the methyl group donor ademetionine.
Epigenetics secures and protects our health
Each and every one of the 200 different cell types in our body contains an identical genome. Then how is it possible, that all these different cell types carry out such vastly different functions? The answer can be found in the make-up of their epigenome. The epigenome acts as a set of genetic switches. It regulates how a cell and as a result how our body operates in determining which genes in our genome need to be switched on or off.
Ademetionine consists of the essential amino acid L-methionine and adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a universal source of energy in our cells. While we cannot change our DNA (our inherited genes), we can very much influence the manner in which the genetic information is used via epigenetic modulation. A healthy lifestyle, positive attitude and a good diet can trigger healthy gene expression via epigenetic processes. Cell protective genes are switched on and cell destructive genes will be switched off.
The dispositional supply of methionine is enabled by the vitamin B12 dependent methylation of homocysteine (HCY) to methionine. Ultimately, ademetionine is generated from the essential amino acid methionine and adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the universal source of energy in cells.
But there is one obstacle our body has to overcome:
A deficiency in ademetionine and vitamin B12 in our metabolism is the rule in people aged 40 and above. Our body simply does not make sufficient amounts of ademetionine anymore resulting in ademetionine deficiency. In addition, the mucosal lining of our stomach atrophies with age. This in turn reduces the uptake of vitamin B12, causing vitamin B12 deficiency.
One Carbon Cycle
DNA methylation is related to our age
Because of this mechanism, DNA methylation is linked to our age.
If transcriptional silencing through methylation of CpG islands in the promoter of the monoamine oxidase B (MaoB) gene is less efficient, more dopamine will be degraded leading to dopamine depletion during transfer of information between brain cells.
It is critical to maintain the supply of dopamine to the brain in a physiological manner as dopamine is the brain transmitter supporting cognitive performance and also because it is linked to emotions, mobility, happiness and the reward system and also directly and indirectly affects the immune system.
The brain transmitter serotonin has mood-lifting effects and simultaneously, as it is also a GABA mimetic, reduces pain and acts as a muscle relaxant. Serotonin degradation also increases and will lead to serotonin deprivation. Muscle tensions will perceived to be more severe.
To achieve an elementary level of protection, consistant supplementation of ademetionine and vitamin B12 is necessary and regularly taking ECP® – Epigenetic Cartilage Protector will counteract a deficiency of ademetionine and vitamin B12.
Cartilage protection
Experimental studies show that ademetionine increases chondrocyte-proteoglycan synthesis and its rate of proliferation. Ademetionine induces the synthesis of polyamines which in turn stabilise the polyanionic macromolecules of proteoglycans and protect them from being targeted by proteolytic and glycolytic enzymes. Ademetionine supports healthy basal conditions in the synovial cells in our joints.
Systemic Long-Term Therapy Using Glucocorticoid Hormones
Dexamethasone is a strong synthetic glucocorticoid hormone that increases MaoB activity. This results in hypercortisolaemia. Regularly taking ECP® – Epigenetic Cartilage Protector silences MaoB expression at genetic level and also protects brain cells from cortisol induced alteration (cell death).
Cortisol activates MaoB gene expression
Monoamine oxidase B (MaoB) is the enzyme responsible for the degradation of brain messenger molecules dopamine, noradrenaline, noradrenaline and serotonin.
An important modulating mechanism employed in epigenetics is stopping the transcription of the promoter gene of monoamine oxidase B (MaoB). This phenomenon is referred to as “gene silencing” – targeted inactivation of the gene location of MaoB: active gene expression is only possible if the gene is not methylated.
Ademetionine is a methyl group donor, resulting in methylation and silencing of the genetic information in the DNA of the epigenome of MaoB.
ECP® – EPIGENETIC CARTILAGE PROTECTOR
Contains these five naturally in our body occurring substances:
Ademetionine is a metabolic product that can be found in all cells in our body. After water and ATP, the universally available and immediately usable source of energy, it is the third most abundant molecule in our body. Its physiological level in the cell decreases continuously from age 40 onwards.
Vitamin B12 supports those metabolic processes in our brain cells important for maintaining a healthy nervous system and normal mental performance. Vitamin B12 is involved in ademetionine production.
Vitamin B6 contributes to healthy energy metabolism, promotes healthy protein metabolism and supports a healthy immune system.
Folic acid assists with healthy amino acid synthesis and supports the dispositional supply of the essential amino acid methionine in the one-carbon metabolic cycle.
Folic acid is involved in normal homocysteine metabolism.
Folic acid is essential for good mental health as ATP-activated methionine is produced from dispositionally supplied methionine and is involved in epigenetic control mechanisms to maintain normal mental functions.
Folic acid contributes to a healthy immune system.
Zinc helps to protect cells from oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is the main cause of cell aging.
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Innovation
In 2015, NUGENIS was a awarded the gold medal at the most important international trade fair for “Ideas, Invention and New Products”, iENA , for EBP® Epigenetic Brain Protector as an outstanding contribution to the protection of our brain cells.