Functional activities of French raw-milk cheeses on aging, mobility, muscle integrity, and chondrocyte protection using in vivo and in vitro models

Aging is associated with various musculoskeletal disorders (muscle and/or cartilage disorders) that can decrease both mobility and overall health span. This study investigated the biological activity of seven french raw-milk cheeses on longevity, mobility, muscle integrity during aging, and chondrocyte protection over time using both in vivo ( Caenorhabditis elegans ) and in vitro (human articular chondrocytes) models. All cheeses enhanced both longevity and mobility during aging in C. elegans . They all protected the muscle integrity of C. elegans over time. The investigations in vitro on an osteoarthritic model of chondrocytes were conducted with fractions (one polar and one apolar) from two cheeses. Among the four tested fractions, we observed a reduction of NO, PGE 2 and MMP-13 productions in the chondrocytes. These findings highlight the biological activity of apolar fraction (containing the cheese lipid components) and suggest, re-evaluating cheese as a functional food with potential benefits for mobility and aging. • Seven French raw-milk cheeses showed biological activities in vivo and in vitro . • Cheeses improved C. elegans lifespan, mobility with aging, and age-related muscle degradation. • Fractions (polar and apolar) reduced inflammatory markers in human chondrocytes. • Apolar fraction of cheese (containing the lipid component) had biological activity.