Cartalax

I. Basic Core Information

1. Chemical Name and Structure

Generic Name: Cartalax
Aliases: AED Tripeptide, AC-4 Cartilage Regulatory Peptide, Khavinson Cartilage Bioregulatory Peptide

Amino Acid Sequence: Ala-Glu-Asp (Alanine - Glutamic Acid - Aspartic Acid), short-chain tripeptide bioregulatory peptide (Khavinson tissue-specific peptide system)

Essence: Cartilage/joint-targeted epigenetic regulatory polypeptide, not a hormone peptide or growth hormone-releasing peptide, belonging to tissue-specific cell bioregulators.

2. Research Background
Developed by the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology, Russia, it belongs to the classic organ-specific short-peptide bioregulators (Cytogens), mainly targeting the targeted regulation of chondrocyte gene expression. All data are mainly based on preclinical in vitro/animal experiments; there are no large-scale human phase III clinical trials, and it is only permitted for laboratory research use. II. Mechanism of Action (Core Selling Point, Differentiating it from BPC-157)

1. Positive Regulation of Cartilage Synthesis (Most Core): Upregulates Sox9 into a key transcription factor for cartilage, stimulating chondrocytes to synthesize large amounts of type II collagen and aggrecan, thickening the articular cartilage matrix; Inhibits the Runx2 degradation pathway, preventing chondrocyte hypertrophy, calcification, and ossification; Strongly blocks cartilage-degrading enzymes MMP-13 and ADAMTS, preventing articular cartilage from being broken down and worn away by its own enzymes, thus delaying osteoarthritis degeneration at its root.

2. Anti-inflammatory + Anti-apoptotic: Inhibits intra-articular pro-inflammatory factors, reducing chronic inflammation of the synovium; Reduces the apoptosis rate of damaged chondrocytes, protecting the number of surviving cells in weight-bearing joints (knee, hip, spine).

3. Incidental Regulation of Bone Metabolism: Acts on thyroid C cells, regulating calcium metabolism, slightly increasing bone density, and assisting in the improvement of osteoporosis and vertebral degenerative diseases.