chondroitin and Osteoarthritis

With osteoarthritis being the most common degenerative disease in pet animals, a very broad panel of natural health products is available on the market for its management. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis, registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021279368), was to test for the evidence of clinical analgesia efficacy of fortified foods and nutraceuticals administered in dogs and cats affected by osteoarthritis. In four electronic bibliographic databases, 1578 publications were retrieved plus 20 additional publications from internal sources. Fifty-seven articles were included, comprising 72 trials divided into nine different categories of natural health compound. The efficacy assessment, associated to the level of quality of each trial, presented an evident clinical analgesic efficacy for omega-3-enriched diets, omega-3 supplements and cannabidiol (to a lesser degree). Our analyses showed a weak efficacy of collagen and a very marked non-effect of chondroitin-glucosamine nutraceuticals, which leads us to recommend that the latter products should no longer be recommended for pain management in canine and feline osteoarthritis.

Topics: Animals; Biological Products; Cannabidiol; Cat Diseases; Cats; Chondroitin; Collagen; Dietary Supplements; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Glucosamine; Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis, the most common joint disease, is associated with substantial medical costs, lost productivity, and reduced quality of life. However, available pharmaceutical treatments have limitations in terms of efficacy and long-term safety.. In vitro evidence suggests that some natural products may possess anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties and may inhibit the release of key osteoarthritis-related cytokines. There is, therefore, ongoing interest in identifying natural products that safely promote joint health and treat osteoarthritis. Numerous plant extracts, including curcumin, Boswellia extract, and pycnogenol, have shown effect sizes (ES) for reducing pain and functional disability larger than those observed with analgesics and products such as glucosamine and chondroitin. The ES for methylsulfonylmethane and avocado/soybean unsaponifiables are also considered to be clinically relevant. Data from a small number of studies using natural products for treating osteoarthritis are promising but require confirmation in further well-designed clinical trials.

Topics: Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Biological Products; Boswellia; Chondroitin; Curcumin; Dietary Supplements; Dimethyl Sulfoxide; Flavonoids; Glucosamine; Humans; Osteoarthritis; Pain Management; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts; Salix; Sulfones

Topics: Acetaminophen; Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Analgesics, Non-Narcotic; Analgesics, Opioid; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Antidepressive Agents; Capsaicin; Chondroitin; Dietary Supplements; Duloxetine Hydrochloride; Glucosamine; Humans; Hyaluronic Acid; Injections, Intra-Articular; Osteoarthritis; Thiophenes; Tramadol

The objective of osteoarthritis (OA) treatment is not only control of symptoms (i.e. reducing pain and improving function) but also to preserve joint structure and maintain quality of life. OA management remains challenging. Glucosamine and chondroitin are two compounds available for treatment of OA patients. Taken alone or in combination, they have a good safety profile and a variety of effects. In-vitro and in-vivo experiments have revealed that both compounds induced key intermediates in the OA pathophysiological process. Clinical trials, although providing conflicting and questionable results, report symptomatic and structure-modifying effects for both pharmaceutical-grade compounds. This review will discuss all these subjects and emphasize the importance of the quality of tested compounds for achieving high quality clinical trials.

Topics: Chondroitin; Dietary Supplements; Glucosamine; Humans; Osteoarthritis; Treatment Outcome

Conventional medical treatment of osteoarthritis often successfully relieves pain but can also produce adverse gastrointestinal and cardiovascular effects, especially with long-term use. Hence, many patients use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to prevent, control, and manage the pain of osteoarthritis. The author reviews the evidence on the efficacy and safety of several CAM therapies often used for osteoarthritis management, including mind-body therapies, supplements, and body-based treatments.

Topics: Acupuncture Therapy; Chondroitin; Complementary Therapies; Databases, Bibliographic; Glucosamine; Humans; Mind-Body Therapies; Musculoskeletal Manipulations; Osteoarthritis; Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; Pain Management; Therapeutic Touch

Glucosamine and chondroitin are members of a group of dietary supplements often termed "complementary agents," "disease-modifying agents," or "disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs" (DMOADs). They are among the best-selling dietary supplements in the United States. DMOADs are thought to act by affecting cytokine-mediated pathways regulating inflammation, cartilage degradation, and immune responses. Given the results of recent studies, investigators have begun to question whether the popular combination of glucosamine and chondroitin alleviates disease progression or pain in people with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis. Reasons proposed for the lack of benefit include incorrect dosing, suboptimal compound manufacture, and a lack of complete understanding of when and how to apply the compounds. In addition, adjuvant medications also could augment the therapeutic potential of these agents. Although these agents are considered safe, some uncommon and minor adverse effects have been reported, including epigastric pain or tenderness (3.5%), heartburn (2.7%), diarrhea (2.5%), and nausea (1%). In conclusion, although some questions have arisen about whether DMOADs are as effective as has been claimed, a trial should be considered in in selected patients with sustained refractory cases of osteoarthritis.

Topics: Cartilage, Articular; Chondroitin; Complementary Therapies; Dietary Supplements; Disease Progression; Glucosamine; Humans; Osteoarthritis; Osteoarthritis, Knee; Treatment Outcome

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and the leading cause of disability among older adults in the United States. Treatment options such as acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are the most widely used agents to manage mild-to-moderate pain. Treatment with tramadol or opioids is usually reserved for severe pain associated with OA. These agents do not come without risk, especially for older adults. Patient-specific parameters and comorbid conditions must be considered when evaluating treatment options for older adults. This article reviews pharmacological and nonpharmacological approaches to the management of OA in older adults.

Topics: Acetaminophen; Aged; Algorithms; Analgesics; Analgesics, Opioid; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Antidepressive Agents; Chondroitin; Complementary Therapies; Geriatric Assessment; Glucocorticoids; Glucosamine; Humans; Hyaluronic Acid; Motor Activity; Occupational Therapy; Osteoarthritis; Patient Education as Topic; Physical Therapy Modalities; Self-Help Devices; Tramadol; Weight Loss

The use of complementary and alternative medicine is widespread and popular with the lay public. Although prevalence of use varies among specific patient populations, complementary and alternative medicine, in particular herbal remedies, are widely marketed and used by orthopaedic patients. Herbal supplements can have a negative impact on the perioperative period and may interact with conventional medicines used to manage chronic conditions. Physician-patient communication often does not include the subject of alternative medicines, leading to underreporting of use. Orthopaedic surgeons should adopt methods to routinely elicit from their patients the use of complementary and alternative medicine and should monitor and counsel patients on potential side effects and drug-herb interactions. Preoperative instructions should include cessation of the use of herbal supplements.

Topics: Chondroitin; Complementary Therapies; Counseling; Glucosamine; Humans; Orthopedic Procedures; Orthopedics; Osteoarthritis; Physician-Patient Relations; Phytotherapy; Plants, Medicinal

Osteoarthritis, characterised by joint pain and stiffness, is a common and significant chronic disease, reducing mobility and causing considerable impact on quality of life. Multiple evidence based management options are available.. The aim of this article is to summarise the main management options suggested in The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners Guideline for the nonsurgical management of hip and knee osteoarthritis and to also highlight those that are not recommended.. Following diagnosis based primarily on history and examination, management focuses on optimising quality of life by providing self management advice combined with appropriate pharmacological and nonpharmacological strategies, aiming to reduce acute exacerbations, prevent complications and delay progression.

Topics: Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Analgesics, Opioid; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Chondroitin; Chronic Disease; Disease Progression; Glucosamine; Humans; Injections, Intra-Articular; Osteoarthritis; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Practice Patterns, Physicians'; Primary Health Care

While effective drugs are available to deal with the symptoms and modify the progress of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, these may cause serious adverse events and not all patients will obtain relief. Many people with these diseases use complementary medicines.. This article presents an overview of the evidence for the most promising complementary therapies for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, with other information that general practitioners need to know.. There is reasonable evidence to support the use of glucosamine, avocado/soybean unsaponifiables and chondroitin in osteoarthritis, and omega-3 fatty acids and gammalinolenic acid in rheumatoid arthritis. However, no current evidence does not equate to lack of effectiveness. Rigorous research into the use of complementary medicines in arthritis is evolving and many of the systematic reviews used in preparation of this article are being updated every few years to incorporate new trial evidence as it becomes available.

Topics: Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Chondroitin; Complementary Therapies; Disease Progression; Fatty Acids, Omega-3; General Practitioners; Glucosamine; Herbal Medicine; Humans; Musculoskeletal Diseases; Nutritional Status; Osteoarthritis; Pain; Pain Management; Soybean Proteins

The most important goals of therapy in patients with osteoarthritis are pain management, improvement in function and disability, and, ultimately, disease modification. This review discusses the current pharmacologic regimen available to address these goals. Specific attention is paid to current trends and controversies related to pharmacologic management, including the use of oral, topical, and injectable agents.

Topics: Analgesics; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Chondroitin; Dietary Supplements; Glucosamine; Humans; Injections, Intra-Articular; Osteoarthritis; Viscosupplements

Topics: Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Antirheumatic Agents; Arthroscopy; Chondroitin; Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors; Exercise Therapy; Glucosamine; Humans; Hyaluronic Acid; Osteoarthritis; Osteotomy; Weight Loss

To identify and critically evaluate the quality of evidence of the most commonly used pharmacologic, nutraceutical, and purported slow-acting drugs of osteoarthritis for the management of osteoarthritis in dogs by use of the FDA's evidence-based medicine scoring system.. Systematic review.. 16 clinical trials.. A broad bibliographic search was performed prior to May 2006. Inclusion criteria focused on prospective trials evaluating commonly used medical treatment interventions for the management of osteoarthritis in dogs and published in peer-reviewed journals. The analysis consisted of the following: study design rating, quality factor rating, quantity rating, consistency rating, relevance to disease risk reduction rating, and cumulative strength of evidence ranking.. 4 trials evaluating meloxicam were rated as type I. Three trials evaluating carprofen were rated as type I, and 2 trials were rated as type III. One trial evaluating each of the following agents was rated as type 1: etodolac; P54FP; polysulfated glycosaminoglycan; and a combination of chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine hydrochloride, and manganese ascorbate. Two trials evaluating pentosan polysulphate and 2 trails evaluating green-lipped mussels were rated as type I. One trial evaluating hyaluronan was rated as type III.. A high level of comfort exists for meloxicam that the claimed relationship is scientifically valid and that its use is clinically efficacious for the treatment of osteoarthritis in dogs. A moderate level of comfort exists for carprofen; etodolac; pentosan polysulphate; green-lipped mussels; P54FP; polysulfated glycosaminoglycans; and a combination of chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine hydrochloride, and manganese ascorbate. An extremely low level of comfort exists for hyaluronan.

Topics: Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Chondroitin; Clinical Trials as Topic; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Evidence-Based Medicine; Glucosamine; Meloxicam; Osteoarthritis; Severity of Illness Index; Thiazines; Thiazoles; Treatment Outcome

Glucosamine is now widely used in the hope that it will relieve symptoms of osteoarthritis and stop its progression, yet studies have so far failed to prove convincingly that it works, how it might work, or whether it is safe to take long-term. This is an overview of the evidence to date for currently available glucosamine preparations, as well as for glucosamine used in combination with another popular nutraceutical, chondroitin sulfate.

Topics: Chondroitin; Disease Progression; Evidence-Based Medicine; Glucosamine; Humans; Osteoarthritis; Treatment Outcome

Topics: Aged; Amino Acids, Sulfur; Anthraquinones; Boswellia; Chondroitin; Dietary Supplements; Gelatin; Glucosamine; Humans; Hydroxyproline; Osteoarthritis; Persea; Phytotherapy; Plant Oils; Protein Hydrolysates; S-Adenosylmethionine; Soybean Oil

Osteoarthritis (OA) is often a progressive and disabling disease resulting from a combination of risk factors, including age, genetics, trauma, and knee alignment, as well as an imbalance of physiologic processes resulting in inflammatory cascades on a molecular level. The synovium, bone, and cartilage are each involved in the pathophysiological mechanisms that lead to progressive joint degeneration, and, thus, also serve as targets for therapies. Efforts to identify disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs (DMOADs) have been hampered by several factors, but the focus has now shifted toward the validation of chemical and imaging biomarkers that should aid in DMOAD development. In this review, we summarize current pathological mechanisms occurring in the individual but interconnected compartments of OA joints, as well as discuss related therapeutic interventions that are currently available or on the horizon.

Topics: Animals; Biomarkers; Calcitonin; Chondroitin; Diphosphonates; Doxycycline; Glucosamine; Humans; Interleukin 1 Receptor Antagonist Protein; Metalloendopeptidases; Nitric Oxide; Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA), by far the most common form of arthritis, has a growing impact on health care. Progress in understanding its pathophysiological processes has led to the identification of promising therapeutic targets, with disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs (DMOADs) having the most potential. Numerous nonpharmaceutical measures and pharmacological interventions that slow the progression of the disease also have been developed. Several new classes of molecules that inhibit one or more OA pathophysiological processes have been discovered, and a number of these are under clinical evaluation to test their potential to alter the disease process in humans. Recent data from clinical trials have demonstrated that agents able to specifically block key disease mechanisms can effectively retard the progression of structural changes in knee OA patients. These studies are ushering the field into a new era in the development of DMOADs and, hence, the prospect of a cure for this disease.

Topics: Acetates; Anthraquinones; Antirheumatic Agents; Chondroitin; Clinical Trials as Topic; Diphosphonates; Disease Progression; Doxycycline; Glucosamine; Humans; Hyaluronic Acid; Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors; Osteoarthritis; Pyrroles; Risk Factors

Drug allergies are specific to characteristics of the medication's chemical structure.

Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Bone Density Conservation Agents; Chondroitin; Drug Hypersensitivity; Glucosamine; Humans; Infections; Orthopedics; Osteoarthritis; Osteoporosis; Pain; Sensory System Agents

Topics: Arthralgia; Chondroitin; Glucosamine; Humans; Osteoarthritis; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Treatment Outcome

Glucosamine is widely used as a symptom-modifying drug in osteoarthritis. New clinical trials, from Europe and the United-States bring some clarification regarding the optimal formulation and doses to be used in knee osteoarthritis. Their results are supported by new pharmacokinetic and preclinical studies, explaining the mode of action of glucosamine in osteoarthritis.

Topics: Arthralgia; Chondroitin; Clinical Trials as Topic; Drug Combinations; Glucosamine; Humans; Osteoarthritis

To evaluate past and current evidence from randomized controlled trials on the efficacy of glucosamine sulfate (GS), glucosamine hydrochloride (GH), and chondroitin sulfate (CS) for the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA).. An extensive review of four meta-analyses and a review of the findings of the recently published Glucosamine/Chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial (GAIT) funded by the National Institutes of Health.. Review of previous studies on the efficacy of GS, GH, and CS in the treatment of OA showed inconclusive results because of weak research design. The GAIT attempted to provide clarity on the use of GH and CS in treating knee pain from OA by using a rigorous research design to elicit cause and effect. The GAIT results showed that GH and CS were not effective in reducing knee pain in the study group overall; however, these may be effective in combination for patients with moderate-to-severe knee pain.. There is now clinical evidence indicating that recommending GS, GH, and CS for the treatment of mild knee pain from OA is ineffective. Further research needs to be done to identify specific characteristics in patients that results in a positive response. Until the findings of the GAIT undergo further peer review, the results of the research needs to be interpreted with caution.

Topics: Chondroitin; Drug Combinations; Evidence-Based Medicine; Glucosamine; Health Services Needs and Demand; Humans; Meta-Analysis as Topic; Nonprescription Drugs; Osteoarthritis; Pain; Patient Education as Topic; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Primary Health Care; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Research Design; Severity of Illness Index; Treatment Outcome

Despite theoretical risks based on animal models given high intravenous doses, glucosamine/chondroitin (1500 mg/1200 mg daily) does not adversely affect short-term glycemic control for patients whose diabetes is well-controlled, or for those without diabetes or glucose intolerance (SOR: A, consistent, good-quality patient-oriented evidence). Some preliminary evidence suggests that glucosamine may worsen glucose intolerance for patients with untreated or undiagnosed glucose intolerance or diabetes (SOR: C, extrapolation from disease-oriented evidence). Long-term effects are unknown; however, no compelling theoretical or incidental data suggest that long-term results should be different (SOR: C, expert opinion). Further studies are required to clarify the effects of glucosamine on patients with poorly controlled diabetes or glucose intolerance.

Topics: Blood Glucose; Chondroitin; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Drug Therapy, Combination; Evidence-Based Medicine; Glucosamine; Glycated Hemoglobin; Humans; Nonprescription Drugs; Osteoarthritis; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Reference Values

Osteoarthritis represents an advanced stage of disease progression caused in part by injury, loss of cartilage structure and function, and an imbalance in inflammatory and noninflammatory pathways. The burden of this disease will increase in direct proportion to the increase in the older adult population. Research on current and experimental treatment protocols are reviewed, including the effect of hyaluronic acid in both in vitro and in vivo studies, autologous chondrocyte and osteochondral plug implantation, and gene therapy. Disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs and in vivo studies of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are reviewed.

Topics: Adjuvants, Immunologic; Anthraquinones; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Camellia sinensis; Cartilage, Articular; Chondrocytes; Chondroitin; Forecasting; Genetic Therapy; Glucosamine; Humans; Hyaluronic Acid; Osteoarthritis; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts

Osteoarthritis (OA) has been a frustrating disease for both the patient and the physician. Its current impact on society is tremendous, and rivals that of ischemic heart disease in many regards. As the baby boomers reach late adulthood and the obesity epidemic rages on, OA will assume an even greater impact on society. The current OA armamentarium only reduces pain and perhaps improves function, and has no impact on the disease incidence or progression. Thus, the challenge for researchers to develop disease-modifying OA drugs becomes an issue of paramount importance. Several advances in our understanding of OA pathophysiology have provided a glimpse of optimism that disease modification is a real possibility. Appreciation of the local factors involved in OA progression as well as the inflammatory nature in a subset of patients has led to different treatment strategies based on predominant phenotype. Further understanding of the initiating events in cartilage destruction, the relationship between the different pathologic influences, and the role of the chondrocyte in maintaining extracellular matrix homeostasis will be necessary to reveal potential targets of therapy.

Topics: Acetaminophen; Acupuncture Therapy; Analgesics, Non-Narcotic; Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Biomechanical Phenomena; Chondroitin; Colchicine; Disease Progression; Glucosamine; Gout Suppressants; Humans; Osteoarthritis; Radiography; Synovial Membrane

Topics: Cartilage, Articular; Chondroitin; Glucosamine; Humans; Hyaluronic Acid; Osteoarthritis

The near universal finding of the safety of glucosamine and chondroitin combined with some compelling evidence of their efficacy should spur further research into their mechanism of action, optimal dosing, long-term effects on disease modification, and clinical applicability. When recommending a supplement to patients, the clinician should take into account the purity of the ingredients, reputation of the manufacturer, and the molecular weight of chondroitin supplied.

Topics: Biological Availability; Cartilage; Chondroitin; Drug Therapy, Combination; Glucosamine; Humans; Osteoarthritis

Topics: Chondroitin; Clinical Trials as Topic; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Drug Administration Schedule; Glucosamine; Humans; Osteoarthritis; Severity of Illness Index; Treatment Outcome

Topics: Aged; Analgesics; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Chondroitin; Cyclooxygenase 2; Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors; Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors; Exercise; Glucocorticoids; Glucosamine; Humans; Isoenzymes; Membrane Proteins; Osteoarthritis; Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common articular disease, and it continues to be a major public health problem related to pain, disability, loss of time from work, and economics. Most patients with OA seek medical attention because of pain. In the past few years, changes in the treatment of OA have been substantial. More effective nonnarcotic analgesics, cyclooxygenase-2-specific inhibitors, nutraceuticals, and intra-articular hyaluronates are some of the new medications and agents that are now available. The understanding and use of nonpharmacological interventions, including patient education, exercise programs, and weight reduction when appropriate, have also improved. Relief of pain and restoration of function can be accomplished in many patients, particularly with an integrated approach. This article focuses on medical treatment approaches for OA, both pharmacological and nonpharmacological.

Topics: Aged; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Chondroitin; Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors; Drug Combinations; Exercise Therapy; Glucosamine; Humans; Osteoarthritis; Patient Education as Topic; Quality of Life; Weight Loss

Glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate are being used by many patients for the treatment of osteoarthritis. Despite a number of studies supporting efficacy of these agents for palliation of joint pain in patients with osteoarthritis, the American College of Rheumatology Subcommittee on Osteoarthritis believes that it is too early to issue recommendations for use. Currently, the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases in collaboration with the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine have begun a pivotal study to thoroughly evaluate these agents.

Topics: Chondroitin; Complementary Therapies; Dietary Supplements; Evidence-Based Medicine; Glucosamine; Humans; Osteoarthritis

The current body of evidence currently supports modest efficacy for glucosamine and chondroitin in the treatment of OA symptoms. The products are safe and could play a valuable role in the management of this disorder. Nevertheless, further independent studies are needed to confirm these findings and to determine the clinical applicability of these compounds. Physicians need to become involved in these treatment decisions but are confused by wide variability in the formulation and purity of the numerous preparations available to consumers. The notion that glucosamine and chondroitin might have disease-modifying effects in OA is highly appealing and supported by preliminary data. Research is needed to confirm these findings and to evaluate the impact of glucosamine and chondroitin on all aspects of OA progression.

Topics: Chondroitin; Dietary Supplements; Glucosamine; Humans; Osteoarthritis; Safety

Topics: Chondroitin; Evidence-Based Medicine; Glucosamine; Humans; Osteoarthritis; Patient Selection; Safety; Treatment Outcome

Glucosamine and chondroitin preparations are widely touted in the lay press as remedies for osteoarthritis (OA), but uncertainty about their efficacy exists among the medical community.. To evaluate benefit of glucosamine and chondroitin preparations for OA symptoms using meta-analysis combined with systematic quality assessment of clinical trials of these preparations in knee and/or hip OA.. We searched for human clinical trials in MEDLINE (1966 to June 1999) and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register using the terms osteoarthritis, osteoarthrosis, degenerative arthritis, glucosamine, chondroitin, and glycosaminoglycans. We also manually searched review articles, manuscripts, and supplements from rheumatology and OA journals and sought unpublished data by contacting content experts, study authors, and manufacturers of glucosamine or chondroitin.. Studies were included if they were published or unpublished double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trials of 4 or more weeks' duration that tested glucosamine or chondroitin for knee or hip OA and reported extractable data on the effect of treatment on symptoms. Fifteen of 37 studies were included in the analysis.. Reviewers performed data extraction and scored each trial using a quality assessment instrument. We computed an effect size from the intergroup difference in mean outcome values at trial end, divided by the SD of the outcome value in the placebo group (0.2, small effect; 0.5, moderate; 0.8, large), and applied a correction factor to reduce bias. We tested for trial heterogeneity and publication bias and stratified for trial quality and size. We pooled effect sizes using a random effects model.. Quality scores ranged from 12.3% to 55.4% of the maximum, with a mean (SD) of 35.5% (12%). Only 1 study described adequate allocation concealment and 2 reported an intent-to-treat analysis. Most were supported or performed by a manufacturer. Funnel plots showed significant asymmetry (P< or =.01) compatible with publication bias. Tests for heterogeneity were nonsignificant after removing 1 outlier trial. The aggregated effect sizes were 0.44 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.24-0.64) for glucosamine and 0.78 (95% CI, 0.60-0.95) for chondroitin, but they were diminished when only high-quality or large trials were considered. The effect sizes were relatively consistent for pain and functional outcomes.. Trials of glucosamine and chondroitin preparations for OA symptoms demonstrate moderate to large effects, but quality issues and likely publication bias suggest that these effects are exaggerated. Nevertheless, some degree of efficacy appears probable for these preparations.

Topics: Chondroitin; Clinical Trials as Topic; Data Interpretation, Statistical; Dietary Supplements; Glucosamine; Humans; Osteoarthritis

For more than 30 years, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been used as standards in the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA). Serious and often life-threatening adverse effects due to these agents are common. Clinical findings have revealed that glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate are effective and safer alternatives to alleviate symptoms of OA. Experimental evidence indicates that these compounds and their low molecular weight derivatives have a particular tropism for cartilage where they serve as substrates in the biosynthesis of component building blocks. This paper is a literature review of the chemistry, mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy and safety of these two nutraceuticals.

Topics: Chondroitin; Clinical Trials as Topic; Glucosamine; Humans; Osteoarthritis

Topics: Alkylating Agents; Animals; Cartilage Diseases; Cartilage, Articular; Chondroitin; Collagen; Corticosterone; DNA; Dogs; Glycosaminoglycans; Hemarthrosis; Hemophilia A; Hemorrhagic Disorders; Histocytochemistry; Humans; Injections, Intra-Articular; Microscopy, Electron; Molecular Weight; Osteoarthritis; Protein Biosynthesis; Proteoglycans; Rabbits; Sulfates; Synovitis; Time Factors

Topics: Acid Phosphatase; Animals; Cartilage, Articular; Cathepsins; Chondroitin; Collagen; DNA; Glycosaminoglycans; Hexosamines; Histocytochemistry; Humans; Keratins; Mitosis; Osteoarthritis; Proteoglycans; Rabbits; Sulfates; Water

Topics: Age Factors; Aging; Animals; Cartilage, Articular; Cattle; Chondroitin; Collagen; Dogs; Forelimb; Galactosamine; Glucosamine; Glycosaminoglycans; Humans; Hyaluronic Acid; Lipid Metabolism; Macromolecular Substances; Osteoarthritis; Swine; Terminology as Topic; Uronic Acids

Topics: Aging; Cartilage, Articular; Cell Aggregation; Chondroitin; Collagen; Humans; Intervertebral Disc; Intervertebral Disc Displacement; Keratins; Osteoarthritis; Photomicrography; Polysaccharides; Protein Binding; Proteins

Topics: Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Cartilage; Cartilage, Articular; Cattle; Chondroitin; Glycosaminoglycans; Humans; In Vitro Techniques; Osteoarthritis; Polysaccharides; Proteins; Sulfates; Sulfuric Acids; Tissue Extracts

Topics: Aging; Cartilage, Articular; Chondroitin; Humans; Hyaluronoglucosaminidase; Osteoarthritis; Pain; Polysaccharides; RNA; Synovial Fluid

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, e.g., celecoxib, are commonly used for inflammatory conditions, but can be associated with adverse effects. Combined glucosamine hydrochloride plus chondroitin sulfate (GH+CS) are commonly used for joint pain and have no known adverse effects. Evidence from in vitro, animal and human studies suggest that GH+CS have anti-inflammatory activity, among other mechanisms of action.. We evaluated the effects of GH+CS versus celecoxib on a panel of 20 serum proteins involved in inflammation and other metabolic pathways.. Samples were from a randomized, parallel, double-blind trial of pharmaceutical grade 1500 mg GH + 1200 mg CS (n=96) versus 200 mg celecoxib daily (n=93) for 6- months in knee osteoarthritis (OA) patients. Linear mixed models adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, baseline serum protein values, and rescue medicine use assessed the intervention effects of each treatment arm adjusting for multiple testing.. All serum proteins except WNT16 were lower after treatment with GH+CS, while about half increased after celecoxib. Serum IL-6 was significantly reduced (by 9%, P=0.001) after GH+CS, and satisfied the FDR<0.05 threshold. CCL20, CSF3, and WNT16 increased after celecoxib (by 7%, 9% and 9%, respectively, P<0.05), but these serum proteins were no longer statistically significant after controlling for multiple testing.. The results of this study using samples from a previously conducted trial in OA patients, demonstrate that GH+CS reduces circulating IL-6, an inflammatory cytokine, but is otherwise comparable to celecoxib with regard to effects on other circulating protein biomarkers.

Topics: Aged; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Biomarkers; Celecoxib; Chemokine CCL20; Chondroitin; Colony-Stimulating Factors; Down-Regulation; Drug Therapy, Combination; Female; Glucosamine; Humans; Interleukin-6; Male; Middle Aged; Osteoarthritis; Wnt Proteins

To compare the efficacy of meloxicam and a glucosamine-chondroitin (Glu-Ch) supplement in the management of feline osteoarthritis (OA).. Prospective, blinded, randomized clinical trial. Cats over eight years of age with clinical signs of chronic OA were assigned to one of two groups and Glu-Ch or meloxicam was administered orally for 70 days, followed by a placebo until day 98. Cats were assessed by a veterinarian on five occasions and the owner completed an assessment form at the same time.. Data were collected from thirty cats. Pre-treatment disease scores were significantly higher in the meloxicam group for owner mobility (p=0.01) and veterinary lameness (p=0.02). Owner mobility scores at day 14 (p=0.01) and day 42 (p=0.002) were significantly improved compared to pre-treatment scores for the meloxicam group. When meloxicam and Glu-Ch were discontinued and the placebo commenced, a significant proportion of the meloxicam group showed worsening of all the owner-assessed scores between day 70 and day 98, when compared to the Glu-Ch group (mobility p=0.01; activity p=0.02; temperament p=0.04; lifestyle p=0.01).. Treatment with meloxicam resulted in a significant improvement in mobility and activity levels of cats with OA until the placebo was introduced. A greater proportion of cats receiving meloxicam medication showed a significant worsening of owner assessment scores once the placed was introduced, when compared to the Glu-Ch group.

Topics: Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Cat Diseases; Cats; Chondroitin; Dietary Supplements; Female; Glucosamine; Male; Meloxicam; Osteoarthritis; Thiazines; Thiazoles

The effects of an orally administered combination of a glucosamine-chondroitin-quercetin glucoside (GCQG) supplement on the synovial fluid properties of patients with osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were investigated from the clinical nutrition view point. In this study, forty-six OA and twenty-two RA patients were administered with the GCQG supplement orally for 3 months. Several parameters of the knee joints were monitored before and after supplementation. The OA patients showed a significant improvement in pain symptoms, daily activities (walking and climbing up and down stairs), and visual analogue scale, and changes in the synovial fluid properties with respect to the protein concentration, molecular size of hyaluronic acid, and chondroitin 6-sulphate concentration were also observed. However, no such effects were observed in the RA patients. These results suggest that the GCQG supplement exerted a special effect on improving the synovial fluid properties in OA patients.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Chondroitin; Drug Combinations; Female; Glucosamine; Glucosides; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Osteoarthritis; Quercetin; Synovial Fluid

The authors studied efficiency of chondroxide and phinalgel phonophoresis in osteoarthritis patients with roentgenologic stages I and II, aged 40 to 66. Recommendations are to use these treatment modalities in accordance with severity of joints inflammation.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Chondroitin; Humans; Middle Aged; Occupational Diseases; Osteoarthritis; Osteoarthritis, Knee; Phonophoresis; Ultrasonic Therapy; Workload

With increasing use of glucosamine-containing supplements for the treatment of osteoarthritis, there is increasing concern in the medical community about possible toxic effects. The present study was undertaken to determine whether glucosamine supplementation altered hemoglobin A1c concentrations in patients with well-controlled diabetes mellitus.. To evaluate possible effects of glucosamine supplementation on glycemic control in a selected population of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.. Placebo-controlled, double-blinded, randomized clinical trial.. Outpatient, diabetes monitoring clinic.. Patients were typically elderly patients, evenly divided between men and women. Most of the patients were being treated with 1 or 2 drugs for glycemic control.. In daily doses for 90 days, patients received either placebo or a combination of 1500 mg of glucosamine hydrochloride with 1200 mg of chondroitin sulfate (Cosamin DS; Nutramax Laboratories Inc, Edgewood, Md). Main Outcome Measure Hemoglobin A1c levels before and after 90 days of therapy.. There were 4 withdrawals from the glucosamine-treated group. Three were related to comorbidities (myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, and atrial fibrillation) and 1 to a possible adverse reaction (excessive flatus). No other patient reported any adverse effects of glucosamine therapy, and no patient had any change in their diabetes management. Mean hemoglobin A1c concentrations were not significantly different between groups prior to glucosamine therapy. Posttreatment hemoglobin A1c concentrations were not significantly different between groups, nor were there any significant differences within groups before and after treatment.. This study demonstrates that oral glucosamine supplementation does not result in clinically significant alterations in glucose metabolism in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Topics: Aged; Analysis of Variance; Blood Glucose; Chondroitin; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Dietary Supplements; Double-Blind Method; Female; Glucosamine; Glycated Hemoglobin; Humans; Male; Osteoarthritis; Statistics, Nonparametric

Topics: Bone Marrow; Cartilage; Chondroitin; Clinical Trials as Topic; Humans; Methods; Osteoarthritis; Tissue Extracts

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a frequently occurring, chronic condition; however, few studies describe the clinical characteristics of individuals with OA and the treatments they use to manage their symptoms. We conducted a study to characterize the OA population in the US and describe the nonsurgical management used by this population based on consumer research data collected through an online survey.. Data from the 2017 US National Health and Wellness Survey (NHWS) for adults aged ≥35 years were used to evaluate the relationship between OA and certain study participant characteristics and to identify the most commonly used treatment options. NHWS data were collected through a survey of individuals drawn from the internet panel maintained by Lightspeed Research (Bridgewater, New Jersey) and its panel partners. Weighted estimates were generated using data from the 2016 Current Population Survey (Annual Demographics File) of the US Census Bureau. Comparisons between the general and OA populations were made based on body mass index (BMI), exercise frequency, and comorbid diagnoses of hypertension or diabetes. Among the OA population, the use of dietary supplements, prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) treatments with chondroitin with or without glucosamine (Ch ± Gl), prescription treatment by time since OA diagnosis, and utilization of a physical therapist were also recorded.. The prevalence of OA in the overall population was 17.6 % and was higher for individuals with a BMI ≥ 25 (21.9 %), patients diagnosed with hypertension or diabetes (36.2 %), and those who did not exercise regularly (19.0 %). Adults without OA were more likely to exercise regularly (12 days per month or more) than adults diagnosed with OA. Ch ± Gl (6.0 %) was the most commonly used OTC dietary supplement in the OA population, followed by omega-3 fatty acids (2.8 %), vitamin D (1.9 %), calcium (1.1 %), and multivitamins (0.7 %). Individuals using Ch ± Gl were more likely to use OTC only products (75.4 % vs 37.3 %) or prescription medications, namely non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and/or opioids, and OTC products (24.6 % vs 13.0 %) compared with individuals not using Ch ± Gl, while individuals not using Ch ± Gl were more likely to be untreated (30.3 % vs 0) or to use prescription medications only (19.4 % vs 0). Nearly 32 % of individuals with OA reported using prescription treatments, and the likelihood of using a prescription treatment increased with number of years since OA diagnosis (<3 years: 27.5 %; ≥21 years: 32.5 %). The pharmaceutical products used by this population primarily consisted of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, acetaminophen and opioids. Approximately 13 % of patients with OA had visited a physical therapist in the past 6 months.. The prevalence of OA was higher in those with a high BMI, and comorbid diabetes or hypertension. Individuals with OA using Ch ± Gl primarily reported use of OTC products only or used them in combination with prescription products. The likelihood of using prescription products increased with the length of OA history. These data provide valuable new information about demographics, clinical characteristics, and commonly used prescription and OTC treatments and dietary supplements in the OA population.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Analgesics, Opioid; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Body Mass Index; Chondroitin; Comorbidity; Diabetes Mellitus; Dietary Supplements; Drug Utilization; Exercise; Female; Glucosamine; Health Surveys; Humans; Hypertension; Male; Middle Aged; Nonprescription Drugs; Osteoarthritis; United States; Vitamins

The aim of the present study was to compare the molecular and morphological effects of diacerein and glucosamine-chondroitin drug treatment and intra-articular injection therapy of human deciduous dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) in a rat knee model of induced osteoarthritis (OA).. Thirty-six adult male rats were randomly separated into six groups: Control group (without induction of OA), osteoarthritis group 60 (induction of OA, saline gavage started on day 14 and performed for 60 days, followed by euthanasia), osteoarthritis group (induction of OA and euthanasia after 14 days), diacerein group, glucosamine-chondroitin group, and mesenchymal stem cell group. The drug-treated groups were gavaged with 50 mg/kg of diacerein and 400/500 mg/kg of glucosamine-chondroitin starting on dat 14 for 60 days. The cell therapy-treated group received an intra-articular single dose of 8 × 105 hDPSCs on day 14, and euthanasia was performed after 60 days. Lateral femoral condyles were collected and prepared for immunohistochemistry and light microscopy procedures.. The morphological features and immunoexpression of SOX-5, IHH, MMP-8, MMP-13, and Type II collagen were statistically analysed. Our data suggest that hDPSC therapy contributes more actively and effectively in the structural reorganization of lateral femoral condyles. In contrast, the glucosamine-chondroitin sulphate treatment was more effective in inflammatory control, while diacerein showed better results associated with the maintenance of the primordial cartilage.. The positive therapeutic effect of daily administered conventional drugs can be confirmed in a rat model of OA. However, one single dose of locally administered hDPSCs provides significant improvement in tissue regeneration in an OA model.

Topics: Animals; Anthraquinones; Chondroitin; Dental Pulp; Disease Models, Animal; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Glucosamine; Humans; Injections, Intra-Articular; Male; Mesenchymal Stem Cells; Osteoarthritis; Rats; Rats, Wistar

This study investigates spontaneous adverse drug reactions (ADRs) to glucosamine and chondroitin in the Australian population between 2000 and 2011, with a primary focus on hypersensitivity reactions.. Case reports of ADR to glucosamine and chondroitin sent to the Therapeutic Goods Administration between 2000 and 2011 were obtained and analysed. The demographic information and severity of the ADR were recorded for individual ADR cases. These reactions were classified according to the Brown. In this study of 366 ADRs to glucosamine and chondroitin preparations, 71.85% of cases (n=263) were found to have hypersensitivity reactions. Of these 263 cases, 92 cases were classified as mild (eg, pruritus, urticaria and lip oedema), 128 cases classified as moderate (such as dyspnoea, nausea and abdominal pain), and 43 cases classified as severe (including amnesia, gait disturbance, somnolence and hypotension). It is not clear whether the patients involved had a known shellfish allergy or underlying atopy.. Results of this investigation support the need for clear labelling on glucosamine and chondroitin preparations to raise awareness of possible adverse events for those predisposed to allergy or atopy in response to shellfish.

Topics: Analgesics; Australia; Chondroitin; Drug Hypersensitivity; Drug Labeling; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; Female; Glucosamine; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Needs Assessment; Nonprescription Drugs; Osteoarthritis

Patients with OA use different drugs in their search for relief. We aimed to study the prevalence of use and combinations of different medications for OA in a population-based cohort of OA patients in Catalonia, Spain, while characterizing users of each of the drugs available, with a particular focus on cardiovascular risk factors.. Data were obtained from the Sistema d'Informació per al Desenvolupament de l'Investigació en Atenció Primària (SIDIAP) database, which includes electronic medical records and pharmacy invoice data for >5 million people from Catalonia. Study participants were those with a clinical diagnosis of OA in 2006-10. Drugs studied included oral and topical NSAIDs, analgesics (paracetamol, metamizole), opioids (tramadol, fentanyl), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) inhibitors and symptomatic slow-acting drugs in OA. Drug utilization was described using medication possession ratios (MPRs), equivalent to the proportion of days covered with the drug of interest. The annual incidence of new users in the first year after OA diagnosis from 2006 to 2010 was estimated for all studied drugs among newly diagnosed OA patients using Poisson regression.. We identified 238 536 study participants. The most common regimen of treatment consisted of at least three drugs (53.9% of patients). The drugs most frequently used regularly (MPR ≥50%) were chondroitin (21.2%), glucosamine (15.8%) and oral NSAIDs (14.4%). The incidence of the use of opioids, COX-2 inhibitors and chondroitin increased over the 5 year period, whereas all others decreased.. Drug combinations are common in the treatment of OA patients, who are thus exposed to potential drug interactions, with unknown impacts on their health. The increasing use of opioids and COX-2 inhibitors is noteworthy because of the potential impact on safety and costs.

Topics: Aged; Analgesics; Analgesics, Opioid; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Antirheumatic Agents; Chondroitin; Cohort Studies; Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors; Databases, Factual; Drug Therapy, Combination; Female; Humans; Male; Medical Records; Middle Aged; Osteoarthritis; Pharmacy; Retrospective Studies; Spain

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a joint disease of high prevalence and affects > 90 % of the population, depending on several risk factors. Symptomatic OA is less frequent, but requires an individually tailored therapeutic regimen consisting of non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatment modalities. Pharmacologic therapy, however, is mainly limited to analgetic and anti-inflammatory agents; structure modifying remedies do not exist. The therapeutic approach to hand-, knee- and hip-OA is basically similar and differs only at some minor points. Generally, topical agents or paracetamol are recommended as first-line agents. If unsuccessful oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or COX-2-selctive inhibitors should be introduced. Tramadol is an option in the case patients will not respond satisfactorily to NSAIDs. Glucosamine and chondroitine sulphate are no longer recommended in knee and hip OA, but chondroitine might be efficient in treating hand OA. Oral NSAIDs should be prescribed with caution due to potential side effects. Opioids are not recommended as their benefits are outweighed by an increased risk for serious adverse events.

Topics: Acetaminophen; Administration, Oral; Administration, Topical; Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Analgesics; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Capsaicin; Chondroitin; Combined Modality Therapy; Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors; Glucosamine; Hand Joints; Humans; Osteoarthritis; Osteoarthritis, Hip; Osteoarthritis, Knee; Tramadol

Glucosamine and chondroitin are widely used as pharmaceutical and dietary supplements. However, there is a lack of information regarding consumer consumption of glucosamine and chondroitin in the Republic of Korea. We investigated the prevalence and factors affecting the use of glucosamine products in the general population aged 40 years and older in the Republic of Korea. We conducted this descriptive and exploratory study using a telephone-based survey with a structured questionnaire. We randomly selected subjects using a proportional allocation method based on age, gender, and region. We started the survey on September 19, 2009, and continued the survey until we obtained 1,000 respondents who were currently taking glucosamine or chondroitin, which occured on September 30, 2009. Among the 8,135 people approached, the response rate was 29.6%. A total of 12.2% of respondents (n = 991) were current users of glucosamine, while only 0.1% (n = 9) were current users of chondroitin. Two-fifths of current glucosamine users were not diagnosed with osteoarthritis by a doctor nor did they experience arthritis pain. These participants used glucosamine to maintain and promote joint health. Information on glucosamine was mainly obtained through advertisements on television or the Internet. Seventy percent of current users indicated that they did not know the composition of the glucosamine they took. Appropriate information and guides concerning glucosamine or chondroitin usage should be provided by expert clinicians because of the accessibility of both these cartilage derivatives as supplements and medical drugs in the Republic of Korea.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Chondroitin; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dietary Supplements; Female; Glucosamine; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Osteoarthritis; Republic of Korea

Topics: Antirheumatic Agents; Chondroitin; Data Interpretation, Statistical; Disease Progression; Glucosamine; Humans; Meta-Analysis as Topic; Osteoarthritis; Outcome Assessment, Health Care; Radiography

Over 30% of individuals use natural health products (NHPs) for osteoarthritis-related pain. The Deficit Model for the Public Understanding of Science suggests that if individuals are given more information (especially about scientific evidence) they will make better health-related decisions. In contrast, the Contextual Model argues that scientific evidence is one of many factors that explain how consumers make health-related decisions. The primary objective was to investigate how the level of scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of NHPs impacts consumer decision-making in the self-selection of NHPs by individuals with osteoarthritis.. The means-end chain approach to product evaluation was used to compare laddering interviews with two groups of community-dwelling Canadian seniors who had used NHPs to treat their osteoarthritis. Group 1 (n=13) had used only NHPs (glucosamine and/or chondroitin) with "high" scientific evidence of efficacy. Group 2 (n=12) had used NHPs (methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) and/or bromelain) with little or no scientific evidence supporting efficacy. Content analysis and generation of hierarchical value maps facilitated the identification of similarities and differences between the two groups.. The dominant decision-making chains for participants in the two scientific evidence categories were similar. Scientific evidence was an important decision-making factor but not as important as the advice from health care providers, friends and family. Most participants learned about scientific evidence via indirect sources from health care providers and the media.. The Contextual Model of the public understanding of science helps to explain why our participants believed scientific evidence is not the most important factor in their decision to use NHPs to help manage their osteoarthritis.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Biological Products; Bromelains; Chondroitin; Comprehension; Consumer Behavior; Decision Making; Dimethyl Sulfoxide; Evidence-Based Medicine; Family; Female; Friends; Glucosamine; Health Personnel; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Osteoarthritis; Sociology; Sulfones; Treatment Outcome

This review highlights a selection of original studies related to the treatment of osteoarthritis in 2010.

Topics: Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Antibodies, Monoclonal; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; Biological Factors; Chondroitin; Glucosamine; Humans; Osteoarthritis; Receptor, Nerve Growth Factor; Upper Gastrointestinal Tract

To investigate the role of ADAMTS5 in murine osteoarthritis (OA), resulting from destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM model) or from TGFb1 injection and enforced uphill treadmill running (TTR model). Wild-type (WT) and ADAMTS5-/- mice were subjected to either DMM or TTR and joints were evaluated for meniscal damage, cartilage changes, and fibrotic ingrowths from the joint margins. Cartilage lesions were quantified on an 8-point scoring system. Cartilage chondroitin sulfate (CS) content was evaluated by SafraninO staining and by quantitative electrophoresis (FACE). The abundance of aggrecan, versican, and specific aggrecanase-generated products was determined by Western analysis. Joint changes were similar for WT mice taken through either the DMM or the TTR model. ADAMTS5 ablation essentially eliminated cartilage erosion and fibrous overgrowth in both models. In the TTR model, ADAMTS5 ablation did not eliminate aggrecanase activity from the articular cartilage but blocked fibrosis and resulted in the accumulation of aggrecan in the articular cartilage. The cartilage protection provided by ADAMTS5 ablation in the mouse does not result from prevention of aggrecanase activity per se, but it appears to be due to a blockade of joint tissue fibrosis and a concomitant increase in cartilage aggrecan content.

Topics: ADAM Proteins; ADAMTS5 Protein; Aggrecans; Animals; Arthritis, Experimental; Cartilage, Articular; Chondroitin; Endopeptidases; Fibrosis; Gene Silencing; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice, Knockout; Osteoarthritis; Stifle; Versicans

Chondroitin/dermatan sulfate (CS/DS) glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are present in high levels in connective tissue where they play roles as structural molecules and in protein-binding interactions. Recent developments in the techniques for analysis of CS/DS using capillary electrophoresis (CE) have enabled progress in the understanding of changes in CS/DS structure that accompany connective tissue diseases including osteoarthritis. Key to these developments is the ability to extract CS/DS GAGs from small quantities of connective tissue. This chapter describes a method for connective tissue GAG extraction, derivatization, and workup for subsequent capillary electrophoretic and/or mass spectrometric analysis.

Topics: Adult; Child; Chondroitin; Chondroitin Sulfates; Chromatography, Ion Exchange; Connective Tissue; Dermatan Sulfate; Electrophoresis, Capillary; Humans; Mass Spectrometry; Molecular Biology; Oligosaccharides; Osteoarthritis

Topics: Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Chondroitin; Glucosamine; Humans; Osteoarthritis; Sample Size

Topics: Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Bayes Theorem; Chondroitin; Data Interpretation, Statistical; Glucosamine; Humans; Meta-Analysis as Topic; Osteoarthritis

The present investigation evaluated arthritic pain in horses receiving daily placebo, undenatured type II collagen (UC-II) at 320, 480, or 640 mg (providing 80, 120, and 160 mg active UC-II, respectively), and glucosamine and chondroitin (5.4 and 1.8 g, respectively, bid for the first month, and thereafter once daily) for 150 days. Horses were evaluated for overall pain, pain upon limb manipulation, physical examination, and liver and kidney functions. Evaluation of overall pain was based upon a consistent observation of all subjects during a walk and a trot in the same pattern on the same surface. Pain upon limb manipulation was conducted after the walk and trot. It consisted of placing the affected joint in severe flexion for a period of 60 sec. The limb was then placed to the ground and the animal trotted off. The response to the flexion test was then noted with the first couple of strides the animal took. Flexion test was consistent with determining clinically the degree of osteoarthritis in a joint. Horses receiving placebo showed no change in arthritic condition, while those receiving 320 or 480 or 640 mg UC-II exhibited significant reduction in arthritic pain (P < 0.05). UC-II at 480 or 640 mg dose provided equal effects, and therefore, 480 mg dose was considered optimal. With this dose, reduction in overall pain was from 5.7 +/- 0.42 (100%) to 0.7 +/- 0.42 (12%); and in pain upon limb manipulation from 2.35 +/- 0.37 (100%) to 0.52 +/- 0.18 (22%). Although glucosamine and chondroitin treated group showed significant (P < 0.05) reduction in pain compared with pretreated values, the efficacy was less compared with that observed with UC-II. In fact, UC-II at 480 or 640 mg dose was found to be more effective than glucosamine and chondroitin in arthritic horses. Clinical condition (body weight, body temperature, respiration rate, and pulse rate), and liver (bilirubin, GGT, and ALP) and kidney (BUN and creatinine) functions remained unchanged, suggesting that these supplements were well tolerated.

Topics: Animals; Chondroitin; Collagen Type II; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Drug Administration Schedule; Drug Therapy, Combination; Glucosamine; Horse Diseases; Horses; Osteoarthritis; Pain

Topics: Chondroitin; Drug Combinations; Glucosamine; Humans; Nonprescription Drugs; Osteoarthritis

Topics: Blood Glucose; Chondroitin; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Endothelium, Vascular; Glucosamine; Homeostasis; Humans; Osteoarthritis; Research

Topics: Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Celecoxib; Chondroitin; Dietary Supplements; Glucosamine; Humans; Osteoarthritis; Osteoarthritis, Hip; Osteoarthritis, Knee; Placebo Effect; Pyrazoles; Sulfonamides

Topics: Cartilage; Chondroitin; Glucosamine; Humans; Osteoarthritis; Patient Satisfaction

Topics: Back Pain; Chiropractic; Chondroitin; Cimicifuga; Complementary Therapies; Dietary Supplements; Echinacea; Fibromyalgia; Glucosamine; Glycine max; Herbal Medicine; Hormone Replacement Therapy; Hot Flashes; Humans; Hypericum; Massage; Melatonin; Menopause; Neck Pain; Osteoarthritis; Plant Extracts; Plant Structures

Topics: Blood Glucose; Chondroitin; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Dietary Supplements; Glucosamine; Glycated Hemoglobin; Humans; Osteoarthritis

Glucosamine and chondroitin supplements appear to ease arthritis symptoms and possibly fight the disease itself. We tested 19 national products.

Topics: Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Cartilage, Articular; Chondroitin; Consumer Product Safety; Costs and Cost Analysis; Dietary Supplements; Glucosamine; Humans; Joints; Osteoarthritis; Product Labeling

Topics: Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Bias; Chondroitin; Cyclooxygenase 2; Glucosamine; Isoenzymes; Osteoarthritis; Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases; Research Support as Topic

Topics: Chondroitin; Controlled Clinical Trials as Topic; Glucosamine; Humans; Osteoarthritis

Topics: Chondroitin; Glucosamine; Humans; Osteoarthritis

Besides the management of symptoms of osteoarthritis, a lot of interest was raised for molecules aiming at slowing down the structural progression of the disease. This paper summarizes the currently available data allowing to discuss the efficacy and tolerance of these chemical entities.

Topics: Anthraquinones; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Chondroitin; Disease Progression; Glucosamine; Humans; Hyaluronic Acid; Osteoarthritis

Topics: Chondroitin; Dietary Supplements; Glucosamine; Humans; Osteoarthritis; Risk

Topics: Chondroitin; Dietary Supplements; Glucosamine; Humans; Osteoarthritis

Topics: Chondroitin; Disabled Persons; Drug Therapy, Combination; Glucosamine; Humans; Meta-Analysis as Topic; Osteoarthritis; Pain; Reproducibility of Results; Treatment Outcome

Topics: Chondroitin; Evidence-Based Medicine; Glucosamine; Humans; Osteoarthritis

Topics: Animals; Chondroitin; Ecosystem; Glucosamine; Humans; Osteoarthritis; Sharks

Topics: Chondroitin; Glucosamine; Humans; Osteoarthritis; Treatment Outcome

Topics: Chondroitin; Glucosamine; Hypertension; Nonprescription Drugs; Osteoarthritis; Pain; Proteinuria

Topics: Adjuvants, Immunologic; Cartilage; Chondroitin; Culture Techniques; Forecasting; Glucosamine; Humans; Hyaluronic Acid; Industry; Marketing of Health Services; Osteoarthritis; Political Systems; Research; Research Design; Technology Assessment, Biomedical; United States

To determine concentrations of chondroitin sulphate (CS) disaccharides in knee synovial fluid (SF) from normal subjects and patients with osteoarthritis (OA) or rheumatoid arthritis (RA), to test whether these variables differ between different diseases and subsets of OA.. OA was subdivided into large joint OA (LJOA), nodal generalised OA (NGOA), and OA with calcium pyrophosphate crystal deposition (CPA), with 25, 9, and 11 people in each subset respectively. The SF of 13 normal subjects was also volunteered for analysis along with 15 RA patients. Clinical assessment of inflammation (0-6) was undertaken on OA and RA knees. Concentrations of unsaturated CS disaccharides Deltadi6S and Deltadi4S were measured by capillary zone electrophoresis.. Concentrations of Deltadi6S were lower in RA (5.90 ng/ml) and OA (13.24 ng/ml) fluids compared with normal (21.0 ng/ml) but no significant differences were seen between disease and normal fluids for Deltadi4S (about 4-6 ng/ml). The ratio of Deltadi6S:Deltadi4S were RA

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Case-Control Studies; Chondroitin; Chondroitin Sulfates; Disaccharides; Electrophoresis, Capillary; Female; Humans; Knee Joint; Male; Middle Aged; Osteoarthritis; Synovial Fluid

Topics: Chondroitin; Complementary Therapies; Glucosamine; Humans; Osteoarthritis; Patient Education as Topic

This study investigated the synovial fluid concentrations of glycosaminoglycan (GAG), keratan sulphate (KS) epitope 5D4 and chondroitin sulphate (CS) sulphation patterns in healthy volunteers and patients with osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Synovial fluids were collected from knee joints of healthy volunteers (n = 24), and patients with OA (n = 28) and RA (n = 29). Concentrations of GAG and the keratan sulphate epitope 5D4 were measured in 15 of the healthy volunteers, and all of the OA and RA synovial fluids. Total GAG was measured using a dye-binding method and 5D4 by an ELISA. The unsaturated CS disaccharides delta C4 and delta C6 were measured by capillary electrophoresis in all synovial fluids. The concentrations of GAG, 5D4 and delta C6 in the normal synovial fluid were higher but that of delta C4 lower than those of the disease groups. The delta C6:delta C4 ratios correlated with age (r = -0.437, P < 0.001) and the mean value was lower in females than males (2.92 compared with 5.22, P < 0.001). After allowing for age and sex, the delta C6:delta C4 ratio in the control group was significantly elevated (P < 0.001) compared to both OA and RA. The ratio was also related to proteoglycan markers (r = 0.383 for 5D4 and r = 0.357 for GAG). The finding that 5D4 and delta C6:delta C4 ratios are higher in synovial fluid from healthy volunteers compared to OA and RA suggests that they may be markers of the susceptibility of articular cartilage to early damage in arthritis.

Topics: Adult; Age Factors; Aged; Analysis of Variance; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Biomarkers; Cartilage; Chondroitin; Disaccharides; Epitope Mapping; Female; Glycosaminoglycans; Humans; Keratan Sulfate; Linear Models; Male; Middle Aged; Osteoarthritis; Sex Factors; Sulfur; Synovial Fluid

1. As nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may impair the ability of the chondrocyte to repair its damaged extracellular matrix, we explored the changes in the metabolism of newly synthesized proteoglycan (PG) and hyaluronan (HA) molecules produced by tenoxicam and aspirin in human normal cartilage explants and in osteoarthritic (OA) cartilage from age-matched donors. 2. Explants were sampled from the medial femoral condyle and were classified by use of Mankin's histological-histochemical grading system. Cartilage specimens were normal in 10 subjects, exhibited moderate OA (MOA) in 10 and had severe OA (SOA) in 10. 3. Cartilage explants were pulsed with [3H]-glucosamine and chased in the absence and in the presence of either aspirin (190 micrograms ml-1) or tenoxicam (4-16 micrograms ml-1). After papain digestion, the labelled chondroitin sulphate ([3H]-PGs) and HA([3H]-HA) molecules present in the tissue and media were purified by anion-exchange chromatography. 4. In normal cartilage as well as in explants with MOA and SOA aspirin reduced more strongly PG and HA synthesis than the loss of [3H]-HA and [3H]-PGs. 5. In normal cartilage, tenoxicam did not affect PG metabolism whereas it reduced HA synthesis in a dose-dependent manner and did not change or even increased the net loss of [3H]-HA. In contrast, in OA cartilage, tenoxicam produced a stronger reduction in the loss of [3H]-PGs than in PG synthesis and this decrease occurred at lower concentrations in cartilage with SOA (4-8 micrograms ml-1) than in cartilage with MOA (8-16 micrograms ml-1). In cartilage with MOA, the metabolic balance of HA was unaffected by tenoxicam whereas in cartilage with SOA, the drug decreased the loss of [3H]-HA and concomitantly did not change or even increased HA synthesis.6. The data obtained in short-term in vitro cultures indicate that aspirin may produce OA-like changes in normal cartilage and is likely to worsen the disease process in OA tissue. On the other hand, although tenoxicam may reduce the HA content of normal cartilage, and, in so doing, may produce OA-like lesions, this drug should not per se accelerate joint failure in OA.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Aspirin; Cartilage, Articular; Chondroitin; Humans; Hyaluronic Acid; In Vitro Techniques; Middle Aged; Osteoarthritis; Piroxicam; Proteoglycans

Chondroitin sulphate is the major sulphated glycosaminoglycan present in the extracellular matrix of soft connective tissues and the aim of this study was to investigate the distribution of chondroitin sulphate species in normal and diseased synovium.. Distribution of chondroitin-4-sulphate/dermatan sulphate (Ch4S/DS) and chondroitin-6-sulphate in normal (n = 6), osteoarthritic (n = 4) and rheumatoid (n = 10) synovium was determined using an immunoperoxidase technique and specific monoclonal antibodies to chondroitinase ABC-digested preparations.. Ch4S/DS was expressed throughout the interstitium of all tissues and was also present on blood vessels in rheumatoid samples only. Ch6S was expressed in the lining layer of normal synovium but was absent from this site in osteoarthritic and rheumatoid tissues. Ch6S was also present on all blood vessels in all tissues.. The distinct zonal distributions of Ch4S/DS and Ch6S and their alteration in disease suggest these molecules have different and specific functions in normal and diseased synovium.

Topics: Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Chondroitin; Chondroitin Sulfates; Dermatan Sulfate; Humans; Immunoenzyme Techniques; Osteoarthritis; Synovial Membrane

The release rates of specific components of the proteoglycan aggregates (G1 domain, the chondroitin sulfate and keratan sulfate containing portion of the protein core, and link protein) of the articular cartilage of mature beagles were studied at early stages of canine experimental osteoarthritis (OA), generated by transection of the anterior cruciate ligament. Analysis of cartilage explants and synovial fluids indicates that at early stages of experimental OA, there is increased release of the proteoglycan aggregates of the articular cartilage. This involves a release from the tissue of the components of the proteoglycan that are specifically involved with aggregation together with the glycosaminoglycans of the proteoglycan. These components were detected at elevated levels in the media of explants of cartilage from the operated joint, and in the synovial fluids of the operated joints.

Topics: Animals; Cartilage, Articular; Chondroitin; Culture Techniques; Disease Models, Animal; Dogs; Extracellular Matrix Proteins; Female; Keratan Sulfate; Osteoarthritis; Proteoglycans; Synovial Fluid

The chondroitin sulfate-rich region was cleaved from cartilage proteoglycans of experimental osteoarthritic canine joints to establish whether changes in this region of the molecule contribute to the well-documented increase in the chondroitin sulfate to keratan sulfate ratio in osteoarthritis. Experimental osteoarthritis was induced in eight dogs by severance of the right anterior cruciate ligament, the left joint serving as a control. Proteoglycans were extracted from the femoral cartilage of both joints, isolated as A1 fractions by associative density gradient centrifugation and cleaved with hydroxylamine. The chondroitin sulfate-rich region was isolated by either gel chromatography or dissociative density gradient centrifugation. The chondroitin sulfate-rich region from the proteoglycans of the experimental osteoarthritic joints was slightly larger in hydrodynamic size and had both a higher uronate/protein weight ratio and galactosamine/glucosamine molar ratio than the corresponding control. We conclude that the chondroitin sulfate-rich region of proteoglycans in articular cartilage of experimental osteoarthritic joints is larger and has more chondroitin sulfate than that of proteoglycans of normal cartilage.

Topics: Amino Sugars; Animals; Cartilage, Articular; Centrifugation, Isopycnic; Chemical Phenomena; Chemistry; Chondroitin; Chondroitin Sulfates; Dogs; Hydrolysis; Hydroxylamines; Osteoarthritis; Proteoglycans

Topics: Adult; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Cell Migration Inhibition; Chondroitin; Chondroitin Sulfates; Female; Humans; Leukocytes; Male; Middle Aged; Osteoarthritis

Topics: Aging; Cartilage; Chemical Phenomena; Chemistry; Chondroitin; Collagen; Humans; Osteoarthritis; Prostaglandins; Proteoglycans

The compositional profiles of meniscal glycosaminoglycans (GAG) at different ages and in the presence of osteoarthritis were determined. The major components of meniscal GAG were chondroitin sulphates and dermatan sulphate. Other major elements were keratan sulphate and hyaluronic acid. Chondroitin sulphate-4 and -6 decreased with age. Dermatan sulphate content remained unchanged with age whereas keratan sulphate and hyaluronic acid increased. GAG compositional profiles of meniscus from osteoarthritis were similar to those of comparable age group. The results indicate that GAG compositional make-up of the meniscus changes with age. These changes may make it more susceptible to horizontal tears in the elderly.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Age Factors; Aging; Child; Chondroitin; Glycosaminoglycans; Humans; Hyaluronic Acid; Keratan Sulfate; Menisci, Tibial; Middle Aged; Osteoarthritis

Topics: Adult; Aged; Bone Matrix; Cartilage, Articular; Chondroitin; Chondroitin Sulfates; Femur Head; Glycosaminoglycans; Humans; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Keratan Sulfate; Middle Aged; Osteoarthritis; Staining and Labeling

Biochemical changes and in vitro rates of glycosaminoglycan synthesis were studied in thirty-seven samples of human articular cartilage from nineteen osteoarthritic and four normal control patients who were fifty to seventy-five years old. The samples were compared on the basis of histological grade of the arthritis, and subgroups based on the duration of disease, synovial pathological changes, joint studied, and sex were also compared. The osteoarthritic samples showed a progressive loss of glycosaminoglycans in the cartilage as the histological grade increased. In the early stages of the disease there was an increase in the chondroitin sulphate content as well as in the rate of glycosaminoglycan synthesis in several cases when the values for the osteoarthritic articular-cartilage samples were compared with those for the age-matched controls. In the late stages there was a progressive decrease in the rate of glycosaminoglycan synthesis and a relative decrease in chrondroitin sulphate synthesis compared with keratan sulphate synthesis, and these decreases were highly correlated with the histological grade.

Topics: Aged; Autoradiography; Cartilage, Articular; Cetylpyridinium; Chondroitin; Chondroitin Sulfates; Chromatography, Paper; Dialysis; DNA; Female; Fractional Precipitation; Galactosamine; Glucosamine; Glycosaminoglycans; Hexosamines; Hexuronic Acids; Humans; In Vitro Techniques; Male; Middle Aged; Osteoarthritis; Spectrophotometry; Sulfur Radioisotopes; Uronic Acids

The biochemical composition of cartilage was studied in relation to the site of the sample and the age on 20 normal femoral heads and in relation to the histological appearance of the tissues on 34 arthrosic femoral heads. The collagen and glycosaminoglycan content of normal cartilage is identical in the four poles of the femoral head but becomes reduced with age. The chondroitin sulphate content falls slightly but slowly during ageing. In arthrosis, the glycosaminogylcan content is reduced when the cartilage is eroded and remains roughly normal when the cartilage is macroscopically normal or osteophytic. The cartilage of the osteophyte differs, however, radically from normal articular cartilage by a very high water content and by the presence of glycosaminoglycans which are mainly dialysiable. Similar modifications, that are less marked, occur in the macroscopically normal cartilage of the arthrosic femoral head and suggest the role of a disorder of glycosaminoglycan synthesis in the etiology of certain cases of arthrosis.

Topics: Age Factors; Cartilage; Chondroitin; Collagen; Femur Head; Glycosaminoglycans; Hexosamines; Humans; Hydroxyproline; Osteoarthritis; Uronic Acids; Water

Glycosaminoglycan turn-over has been studied both in vivo and in vitro, by using sodium [35S]sulphate as a precursor. The in vivo experiments were performed on rabbits and dogs, taking special care to monitor the 35S radioactivity in the serum throughout the experiment and to measure the radioactivity due to unincorporated inorganic [35S]sulphate in cartilage at the end of each experiment, in addition to that due to incorporated sulphate. The inorganic sulphate content of the serum was also determined as well as the distribution coefficient for the inorganic sulphate ion between cartilage and serum. From this information it was possible to calculate accurately the rate of sulphate uptake by cartilage in vivo and hence the turn-over rate. Experiments were then performed in vitro on cartilage from rabbits and dogs and the in vivo and in vitro results were compared. A very good agreement was obtained between the two sets of results. Studies were then carried out under exactly the same in vitro conditions on human articular cartilage and it was thus possible to obtain a turn-over rate for the latter which one could trust was close to the actual in vivo value. The mean half-lives thus obtained varied from 45 days for the young rabbit to 150 days for the adult dog and 800 days for the human femoral head. In human cartilage there were considerable variations in turn-over rate within a single joint as a function of depth below the surface, and between different joints. Thus, while the mean half-life for the human femoral head is 800 days, that for the femoral condyle is 300 days. Cartilage from osteoarthrosic femoral heads did not appear to differ much with respect to sulphate uptake from the normal specimens although the turn-over rates were somewhat higher.

Topics: Adult; Animals; Cartilage, Articular; Chondroitin; Dogs; Femur Head; Glycosaminoglycans; Hip; Humans; Keratan Sulfate; Kinetics; Knee; Models, Biological; Osteoarthritis; Rabbits; Sulfates; Synovial Fluid

Topics: Adult; Cartilage, Articular; Chondroitin; Collagen; Glycosaminoglycans; Humans; Osteoarthritis

Topics: Animals; Autoradiography; Cartilage, Articular; Chondroitin; Female; Glycosaminoglycans; Histocytochemistry; Male; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Mitosis; Osteoarthritis; Rabbits; Sulfates; Sulfur Radioisotopes; Thymidine; Tritium

Topics: Animals; Cartilage, Articular; Cattle; Chondroitin; Collagen; Galactosidases; Glucuronidase; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; In Vitro Techniques; Liver; Lyases; Lysosomes; Osteoarthritis; Proline; Rats; Time Factors; Tritium; Vitamin A

Topics: Cartilage, Articular; Chondroitin; Collagen; DNA; Glycosaminoglycans; Hexosamines; Hip Joint; Humans; Osteoarthritis; Polysaccharides; Staining and Labeling; Sulfur Isotopes; Thymidine; Tritium

Topics: Aspirin; Carbon Radioisotopes; Chondroitin; Connective Tissue; Glucosamine; Glucose; Glycosaminoglycans; Hexosamines; Humans; Hyaluronic Acid; Hydrocortisone; Hydrolysis; In Vitro Techniques; Joints; Osteoarthritis; Structure-Activity Relationship; Synovial Membrane; Time Factors; Tritium

Topics: Aged; Aging; Aspirin; Cartilage, Articular; Chondroitin; Female; Finger Joint; Glucocorticoids; Hip Joint; Hot Temperature; Humans; Hyaluronoglucosaminidase; Joint Prosthesis; Knee Joint; Male; Orthopedic Fixation Devices; Osteoarthritis; Rest; Spinal Diseases

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aging; Cartilage, Articular; Child; Child, Preschool; Chondroitin; Chromatography; Epiphyses; Femur; Galactose; Glucosamine; Glycosaminoglycans; Hexosamines; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Methods; Middle Aged; Osteoarthritis; Statistics as Topic

Topics: Animals; Body Water; Cartilage, Articular; Cetylpyridinium; Chondroitin; Dogs; Endopeptidases; Femur Head; Glucuronates; Glycosaminoglycans; Glycoside Hydrolases; Hexosamines; Hip Joint; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Osteoarthritis; Sulfuric Acids

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Age Factors; Aged; Autopsy; Cartilage, Articular; Cetylpyridinium; Child; Child, Preschool; Chondroitin; Femur; Glycoproteins; Glycosaminoglycans; Humans; Hyaluronic Acid; Hyaluronoglucosaminidase; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Knee Joint; Middle Aged; Molecular Weight; Osteoarthritis

Topics: Animals; Antigens; Autoradiography; Biodegradation, Environmental; Cartilage, Articular; Chondroitin; Fluorescent Antibody Technique; Knee; Osteoarthritis; Proteins; Rats

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Age Factors; Aged; Autopsy; Cartilage, Articular; Child; Child, Preschool; Chondroitin; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Middle Aged; Molecular Weight; Osteoarthritis; Polysaccharides; Sulfates

A cryoprobe (-20 to -80 C) was applied for 10-60 seconds to cause necrosis of metatarsal head cartilages of 11 rabbits. Segmental loss of nuclear staining was noted at 1 week and depletion of chondroitin sulfate (toluidine blue metachromasia and staining with safranin 0) a few days later. No degenerative joint disease was evident up to 6 months later. The latter finding suggests that, in addition to chondrocyte death, externally imposed stresses are necessary to disrupt the collagenous "skeleton" and initiate the changes of degenerative joint disease.

Topics: Animals; Cartilage; Cell Survival; Chondroitin; Female; Freezing; Hindlimb; Male; Metatarsus; Microscopy, Electron; Necrosis; Osteoarthritis; Osteocytes; Rabbits; Staining and Labeling; Toe Joint

Topics: Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Analgesics; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Baths; Chondroitin; Electric Stimulation Therapy; Glycosaminoglycans; Humans; Joint Diseases; Osteoarthritis; Physical Therapy Modalities; Tranquilizing Agents; Ultrasonic Therapy

The cartilages from the hip joints of 13 normal and 15 osteoarthritic humans were analyzed for glycosaminoglycan content and distribution. The GAGs were separated by elution with CPC on a short cellulose column by the technique of Svejcar and Robertson after digestion of the tissue with pronase and papain. The eluates were identified by a variety of methods including determination of molar ratios, N-acetyl-hexosamine determinations after hyaluronidase treatment and thin-layer chromatography of unhydrolyzed and hydrolyzed GAGs. From the data obtained, it was demonstrated that cartilage from arthritic patients showed a significant increase in the concentration of chondroitin 4-sulfate and a significant decrease in keratan sulfate, with only slight changes in the total amount of GAG present. Calculations of the molar ratios showed variation in the sulfation with chondroitin 4-sulfate appearing in the "supersulfated" state in the arthritic cartilage. The data lead to speculation regarding the process of osteoarthritis, and it is concluded that the changes seen are more likely to represent an altered pattern of synthesis rather than selective degradation. Since the changes suggest a younger cartilage, a theory is advanced that the chondrocyte responds to the chronic stress of osteoarthritis by modulation to a chondroblastic phase.

Topics: Aged; Cartilage, Articular; Cell Differentiation; Chondroitin; Chromatography; Chromatography, Thin Layer; Femoral Neck Fractures; Glycosaminoglycans; Hexosamines; Hexoses; Hip Joint; Humans; Keratins; Middle Aged; Osteoarthritis; Statistics as Topic; Sulfates; Uronic Acids

Topics: Animals; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Cattle; Chondroitin; Cytodiagnosis; Humans; Hyaluronic Acid; Joints; Methods; Osteoarthritis; Sulfates; Synovial Fluid; Ultracentrifugation

Topics: Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Chemical Precipitation; Chondroitin; Cold Temperature; Culture Techniques; Dialysis; Gout; Heparin; Hot Temperature; Humans; Hyaluronic Acid; Hyaluronoglucosaminidase; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic; Mucins; Osteoarthritis; Plasma; Spondylitis, Ankylosing; Synovial Fluid; Synovial Membrane

Topics: Animals; Cartilage; Chondroitin; Fluorides; Hot Temperature; Hyaluronoglucosaminidase; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; In Vitro Techniques; Lactates; Osteoarthritis; Polysaccharides; Rats; Sulfur Isotopes

Topics: Chondroitin; Glycosaminoglycans; Hexosamines; Humans; Hyaluronic Acid; Osteoarthritis; Synovial Membrane

Topics: Adult; Age Factors; Aged; Amino Acids; Animals; Bone Marrow; Cartilage; Cartilage, Articular; Chemical Phenomena; Chemistry; Chondroitin; Chromatography; Female; Humans; In Vitro Techniques; Knee Joint; Male; Middle Aged; Osteoarthritis; Polysaccharides; Protein Biosynthesis; Puromycin; Rats; RNA; Serine; Sulfates; Sulfur; Sulfur Isotopes; Tissue Extracts; Tritium; Uridine

Topics: Animals; Cartilage, Articular; Cattle; Chondroitin; Electrophoresis; Fluorescent Antibody Technique; Humans; Hyaluronoglucosaminidase; In Vitro Techniques; Mucoproteins; Osteoarthritis; Rabbits; Swine

Topics: Arthritis; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Cartilage; Chondroitin; Drug Therapy; Glycosaminoglycans; Humans; Injections; Injections, Intra-Articular; Osteoarthritis; Sulfates

Topics: Cartilage; Cartilage, Articular; Chondroitin; Chondroitin Sulfates; Osteoarthritis; Polysaccharides; Proteins

Topics: Back Pain; Chondroitin; Glucuronates; Humans; Low Back Pain; Osteoarthritis; Osteoporosis; Prednisolone; Spinal Diseases; Spinal Dysraphism; Tuberculosis; Tuberculosis, Spinal; Vitamin K

Topics: Cartilage; Cartilage, Articular; Chondroitin; Chondroitin Sulfates; Collagen; Humans; Osteoarthritis; Sulfates