to the editor: As a galectin-3 researcher, clinician, and developer of the modified citrus pectin (MCP) that is studied and published in over 45 peer-reviewed articles (PectaSol-C, ecoNugenics, Santa Rosa, CA) (P-MCP), I would like to respond to the finding of Nguyen et al. (17) in a recent issue of the American Journal of Physiology-Heart and Circulatory Physiology. The results finding that “treatment with MCP for 4 mo conferred no benefit, which contradicts the outcomes of Gal-3 gene deletion on this DCM [dilated cardiomyopathy] model” cast dispersion on the use and effectiveness of all MCPs. MCP is not a defined term, and the source of the material used in this study does not meet the same specifications of low molecular (<13 kDA) and esterification (<5%) molecular composition found in P-MCP. The MCP used in the Nguyen study claims an average molecular mass of 30 kDa. P-MCP has been shown to have positive health effects preclinically and clinically on cancer progression, cardiovascular disease, organ fibrosis, inflammation, heavy metal detoxification, immune modulation, and prebiotic and antibiotic properties. In the authors’ conclusion, they state, “the reason for the lack of efficacy of MCP in this DCM model remains unclear.” The answer could simply be that it is not the same compound as the highly standardized, low-molecular mass P-MCP.
PectaSol-C MCP has been used in at least 17 animal models of CVD, fibrosis, and inflammation studies to positive effects (1–16, 18). It is important to let the public and research community understand that not all MCPs are the same, and one study that used an unproven compound should not negate the success of a proven specific form of MCP. It is suggested that the MCP used in the study should have been better characterized, and retesting with P-MCP should be performed before judgments are made so generically.
DISCLOSURES
I. Elias is the owner of a dietary supplement company.
AUTHOR CONTRIBUTIONS
I.E. drafted, edited, revised, and approved final version of manuscript.
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