MCP made by Gold Kropn, a modified citrus pectin, is a soluble natural polysaccharide rich in β-galactose, derived from citrus pectin through physical, chemical, and biological modification. It is characterized by low molecular weight and low esterification degree, enabling absorption by the small intestinal epithelium directly into the bloodstream to exert its pleiotropic effects.
Beyond acting as a soluble dietary fiber that improves gut microbiota and exerts immunomodulatory effects, MCP can also bind to galectin-3 (Gal-3), thereby mediating anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, heavy metal chelation, and anti-fibrotic actions.
Recently, research conducted by the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, using MCP provided as a key experimental reagent by Zhejiang Fruity Health Bio-Tech Co., Ltd., has revealed that MCP promotes chondrocyte proliferation and maintains chondrocyte phenotype. In vivo, MCP can protect tissues and cell viability around articular cartilage defects and mitigate or delay the progression of mild to moderate/severe osteoarthritis (OA) by regulating inflammatory responses and tissue metabolism processes. This suggests MCP has promising application prospects in OA treatment.
Studies investigating the specific mechanisms of MCP in articular cartilage injury repair found that MCP can penetrate cartilage tissue, enter chondrocytes, and accumulate in lysosomes, where it regulates the chondrocyte autophagy pathway, thereby exerting its effect in maintaining chondrocyte homeostasis. Simultaneously, MCP promotes glucose uptake and activates the HIF-1α pathway, modulating the chondrocyte glycolytic pathway. Ultimately, MCP acts to promote chondrocyte proliferation, maintain chondrocyte phenotype, upregulate extracellular matrix synthesis, and slow chondrocyte senescence.