What is osteoarthritis?
An estimated 21 million adults in the United States live with osteoarthritis--one
of the most common types of arthritis. Osteoarthritis, also called degenerative
joint disease, is caused by the breakdown of cartilage, which is the connective
tissue that cushions the ends of bones within the joint. It is characterized by
pain, joint damage, and limited motion. The disease generally occurs late in
life, and most commonly affects the hands and large weight-bearing joints.
Although the disease can impact several joints, the knees are often affected.
Age, female gender, and obesity are risk factors for this condition.
What are glucosamine and chondroitin?
Glucosamine and chondroitin are natural substances found in and around the
cells of cartilage. Researchers believe these substances may help in the
repair and maintenance of cartilage. In addition, researchers believe that
glucosamine inhibits inflammation and stimulates cartilage cell growth, while
chondroitin provides cartilage with strength and resilience. Currently,
glucosamine and chondroitin are classified as dietary supplements.
Chondroitin sulfate is considered as a symptomatic slow-acting drug, i.e. a
compound that has a slow onset of action and improve osteoarthritis
symptoms after a couple of weeks. Chondroitin sulfate exhibits a wide range
of biological activities and from a pharmacological point of view it produces a
slow but gradual decrease of the clinical symptoms of osteoarthritis and these
benefits last for a long period after the end of treatment. Many literature data
show that chondroitin sulfate could have an anti-inflammatory activity and a
chondroprotective action by modifying the structure of cartilage. These
properties are also related to the oral adsorption of this molecule as
high-molecular mass compounds having clusters of sulfate groups and high
charge density capable of exert their chondroprotective activity in vivo.
However, please, note that all the conclusive studies with chondroitin sulfate
resulted from the use of experimental dosage designs, which may different
from commercially available supplements. [3,4] The oral absorption for an
experimental chondroitin sulfate formulation is 70%. [2]
How does chondroitin benefit osteoarthritis?
Chondroitin sulfates play a role in articular and bone metabolism by
controlling cartilaginous matrix integrity and bone mineralization. Chondroitin
sulfates are synthesized in chondrocytes and in bone cells. Binding to the
core protein through N- and O-linkages leads to aggregates of monomers
with high molecular weights. The proteoglycan aggregate exhibits viscoelastic
and hydration properties and an ability to interact with the surrounding tissue
through electric charges leading to protection of the cartilaginous tissues.
Chondroitin sulfates inhibit the activity of extracellular proteases for the
connective tissues. In addition to their anti-inflammatory effects, chondroitin
sulfates in vitro stimulate proteoglycan production by chondrocytes; they also
inhibit cartilage cytokine production and induce apoptosis of articular
chondrocytes. [14, 15]
Chondroitin sulfates increase the intrinsic viscosity of the synovial liquid. In
vivo in experimental arthritis, the number and severity of articular symptoms
decreases after chondroitin sulfates administration. In bones, chondroitin
sulfates accelerate the mineralization process and bone repair. However, they
break down easily via enzymatic degradation ( metalloproteinases and
lysosomal enzymes). [14]
What are the side effects of chondroitin?
Glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate are naturally occurring substances.
Both substances can be taken by mouth and have no known significant
toxicity nor side effects. Glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate have been
examined in laboratory and animal experiments, and in several clinical
studies, which have shown some effect on the symptoms of early or moderate
arthritis. The long-term effect has not been evaluated sufficiently and studies
of the relation between dose and effect are lacking for both compounds. [5,6]
What are other health benefits of chondroitin sulfate?
Chondroitin sulphate has been found to be a major component for
proteoglycans. Proteoglycans are glycoproteins in the extracellular matrix.
Among proteoglycans, the most abundant type is the hyalectan or lectican
family. Proteoglycans are formed by two main components; a protein and a
sugar chain, which that is termed glycosaminoglycan. These
glycosaminoglycans are polymers of two simple sugars. The hyalectan family
has glycosaminoglycans of the chondroitin sulphate type, and they are
termed proteoglycans-chondroitin sulphate.
Proteoglycans-chondroitin sulphates are linked to the hyaluronic acid and
other molecules of the extracellular matrix in order to form a
three-dimensional network. This network has several important roles in the
maintenance of the homeostasis of the central nervous system. [8-12]
Carulli D and co-workers from Cambridge University considered the possible
benefits of chondroitin sulfate on nerve cell regeneration. As described
before, proteoglycans are of two main types, chondroitin sulfate and heparin
sulfate. The chondroitin sulfate acts mainly as barrier-forming molecules,
whereas the heparin sulfate stabilise the interactions of receptors and
ligands. During development chondroitin sulfates pattern cell migration, axon
growth pathways and axon terminations. Later in development and in
adulthood chondroitin sulfates associate with some classes of neuron and
control plasticity. After damage to the nervous system, chondroitin sulfates
are the major axon growth inhibitory component of the glial scar tissue that
blocks successful regeneration. Chondroitin sulfates have a variety of roles in
the nervous system, including binding to molecules and blocking their action,
presenting molecules to cells and axons, localising active molecules to
particular sites and presenting growth factors to their receptors. [1, 13] While,
other researchers, such as lida J and co-workers from University of
Minnesota, are interested in its role in tumor cell invasion and metastasis. [14]
Tumor cell invasion and metastasis is highly dependent on dynamic changes
in the adhesion and migration of transformed and malignant cells. As with
normal cell adhesion, the adhesion of tumor cells influences their cytoskeletal
organization, activation of signal transduction pathways within the cell, and
nuclear events leading to changes in mRNA transcription and protein
synthesis. Furthermore, as tumor cells invade the circulation, they adhere to
activated endothelial cells at sites within the vasculature during arrest and
extravasation. Studies in the area of tumor cell adhesion and migration have
demonstrated that the recognition of extracellular matrix ligands, or adhesion
promoting ligands expressed on neighboring cells (i.e. counter-receptors),
involves complex molecular recognition mechanisms. The complexity arises, in
part, from the multiple recognition sites that are present within adhesion
promoting ligands. Some of these structures within ECM components act by
binding integrins, whereas others bind additional receptors such as cell
surface proteoglycans. In this sense, adhesion promoting ligands may be
considered as informational arrays, that function to modulate cell phenotype
by engaging specific combinations of adhesion receptors on the cell surface.
Thus, cell surface chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans may play in modulating
tumor cell adhesion, migration and invasion.
What is a dietary supplement?
A dietary supplement is a product (other than tobacco) intended to
supplement the diet, which bears or contains one or more of the following
dietary ingredients: a vitamin, mineral, amino acid, herb, or other botanical; is
intended for ingestion in the form of a capsule, powder, softgel, or gelcap;
and is not represented as a conventional food or as a sole item of a meal or
the diet (as defined by the U.S. Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act,
Oct. 25, 1994).
What is celecoxib?
Celecoxib (brand name Celebrex) is a new type of nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), called a COX-2 inhibitor. Like traditional
NSAIDS, celecoxib blocks the COX-2 enzyme in the body that stimulates
inflammation. Unlike traditional NSAIDS, however, celecoxib does not block
the action of COX-1 enzyme, which is known to protect the stomach lining. As
a result, celecoxib reduces joint pain and inflammation with reduced risk of
gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding. FDA Alert: 4/7/2005:Celebrex has
been associated with an increased risk of serious adverse cardiovascular
(CV) events in a long-term placebo controlled trial. Based on the currently
available data, FDA has concluded that an increased risk of serious adverse
CV events appears to be a class effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs (NSAIDs) (excluding aspirin). FDA has requested that the package
insert for all NSAIDs, including Celebrex, be revised to include a boxed
warning to highlight the potential increased risk of CV events and the well
described risk of serious, and potentially life-threatening, gastrointestinal
bleeding. FDA has also requested that the package insert for all NSAIDs be
revised to include a contraindication for use in patients immediately
post-operative from coronary artery bypass (CABG) surgery.
THIS ARTICLE IS FOR YOUR REFERENCE ONLY. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTION, PLEASE, CONSULT
WITH YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY. MORE RESEARCH STUDIES ARE NEEDED TO CONFIRM
CHONDROITIN SULFATE BENEFITS ON OSTEOARTHRITIS AND OTHER CONDITIONS. ALL RIGHTS
RESERVED @2008. DO NOT COPY NOR TRANSFER THIS ARTICLE TO OTHER WEBSITES OR OTHER
PUBLICATIONS WITHOUT PERMISSION.
REFERENCE [1] Carulli D et al, Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans in neural development and
regeneration. Curr Opin Neurobiol. 2005 Apr;15(2):252. [2] Owens S Recent advances in glucosamine
and chondroitin supplementation. J Knee Surg. 2004 Oct;17(4):185-93. [3] Volpi N The pathobiology of
osteoarthritis and the rationale for using the chondroitin sulfate for its treatment. Curr Drug Targets
Immune Endocr Metabol Disord. Jun;4(2):119-27.2004. [4] Reginster JY et al, Naturocetic (glucosamine
and chondroitin sulfate) compounds as structure-modifying drugs in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Curr
Opin Rheumatol. 2003 Sep;15(5):651-5. [5] Angermann P Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate in the
treatment of arthritis Ugeskr Laeger. 2003 Jan 27;165(5):451-4. [6] Bijlsma JW Glucosamine and
chondroitin sulfate as a possible treatment for osteoarthritis Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 2002 Sep
28;146(39):1819-23. [7] Brief AA et al, Use of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate in the management
of osteoarthritis. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2001 Mar-Apr;9(2):71-8. [8] Crespo-Santiago D et al, The
extracellular matrix of the central nervous system: chondroitin sulphate type proteoglycans and neural
repair Rev Neurol. 2004 May 1-15;38(9):843-51. [9]Grumet M et al, Functions of brain chondroitin
sulfate proteoglycans during developments: interactions with adhesion molecules. Perspect Dev
Neurobiol. 1996;3(4):319-30. [10] Margolis RU et al, Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans as mediators of
axon growth and pathfinding. Cell Tissue Res. 1997 Nov;290(2):343-8. [11] Oohira A et al, Molecular
interactions of neural chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans in the brain development. Arch Biochem
Biophys. 2000 Feb 1;374(1):24-34. [12] Rauch U et al, Neurocan: a brain chondroitin sulfate
proteoglycan. Cell Mol Life Sci. 2001 Nov;58(12-13):1842-56. [13] Zhuo L et al, A physiological
function of serum proteoglycan bikunin: the chondroitin sulfate moiety plays a central role. Glycoconj J.
2002 May-Jun;19(4-5):241-7. [14] Bali JP et al, Biochemical basis of the pharmacologic action of
chondroitin sulfates on the osteoarticular system. Semin Arthritis Rheum. 2001 Aug;31(1):58-68. [15]
Kelly GS The role of glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfates in the treatment of degenerative joint
disease. Altern Med Rev. 1998 Feb;3(1):27-39. [16] Iida J et al, Cell surface chondroitin sulfate
proteoglycans in tumor cell adhesion, motility and invasion. Semin Cancer Biol. 1996 Jun;7(3):155-62.
An estimated 21 million adults in the United States live with osteoarthritis--one
of the most common types of arthritis. Osteoarthritis, also called degenerative
joint disease, is caused by the breakdown of cartilage, which is the connective
tissue that cushions the ends of bones within the joint. It is characterized by
pain, joint damage, and limited motion. The disease generally occurs late in
life, and most commonly affects the hands and large weight-bearing joints.
Although the disease can impact several joints, the knees are often affected.
Age, female gender, and obesity are risk factors for this condition.
What are glucosamine and chondroitin?
Glucosamine and chondroitin are natural substances found in and around the
cells of cartilage. Researchers believe these substances may help in the
repair and maintenance of cartilage. In addition, researchers believe that
glucosamine inhibits inflammation and stimulates cartilage cell growth, while
chondroitin provides cartilage with strength and resilience. Currently,
glucosamine and chondroitin are classified as dietary supplements.
Chondroitin sulfate is considered as a symptomatic slow-acting drug, i.e. a
compound that has a slow onset of action and improve osteoarthritis
symptoms after a couple of weeks. Chondroitin sulfate exhibits a wide range
of biological activities and from a pharmacological point of view it produces a
slow but gradual decrease of the clinical symptoms of osteoarthritis and these
benefits last for a long period after the end of treatment. Many literature data
show that chondroitin sulfate could have an anti-inflammatory activity and a
chondroprotective action by modifying the structure of cartilage. These
properties are also related to the oral adsorption of this molecule as
high-molecular mass compounds having clusters of sulfate groups and high
charge density capable of exert their chondroprotective activity in vivo.
However, please, note that all the conclusive studies with chondroitin sulfate
resulted from the use of experimental dosage designs, which may different
from commercially available supplements. [3,4] The oral absorption for an
experimental chondroitin sulfate formulation is 70%. [2]
How does chondroitin benefit osteoarthritis?
Chondroitin sulfates play a role in articular and bone metabolism by
controlling cartilaginous matrix integrity and bone mineralization. Chondroitin
sulfates are synthesized in chondrocytes and in bone cells. Binding to the
core protein through N- and O-linkages leads to aggregates of monomers
with high molecular weights. The proteoglycan aggregate exhibits viscoelastic
and hydration properties and an ability to interact with the surrounding tissue
through electric charges leading to protection of the cartilaginous tissues.
Chondroitin sulfates inhibit the activity of extracellular proteases for the
connective tissues. In addition to their anti-inflammatory effects, chondroitin
sulfates in vitro stimulate proteoglycan production by chondrocytes; they also
inhibit cartilage cytokine production and induce apoptosis of articular
chondrocytes. [14, 15]
Chondroitin sulfates increase the intrinsic viscosity of the synovial liquid. In
vivo in experimental arthritis, the number and severity of articular symptoms
decreases after chondroitin sulfates administration. In bones, chondroitin
sulfates accelerate the mineralization process and bone repair. However, they
break down easily via enzymatic degradation ( metalloproteinases and
lysosomal enzymes). [14]
What are the side effects of chondroitin?
Glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate are naturally occurring substances.
Both substances can be taken by mouth and have no known significant
toxicity nor side effects. Glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate have been
examined in laboratory and animal experiments, and in several clinical
studies, which have shown some effect on the symptoms of early or moderate
arthritis. The long-term effect has not been evaluated sufficiently and studies
of the relation between dose and effect are lacking for both compounds. [5,6]
What are other health benefits of chondroitin sulfate?
Chondroitin sulphate has been found to be a major component for
proteoglycans. Proteoglycans are glycoproteins in the extracellular matrix.
Among proteoglycans, the most abundant type is the hyalectan or lectican
family. Proteoglycans are formed by two main components; a protein and a
sugar chain, which that is termed glycosaminoglycan. These
glycosaminoglycans are polymers of two simple sugars. The hyalectan family
has glycosaminoglycans of the chondroitin sulphate type, and they are
termed proteoglycans-chondroitin sulphate.
Proteoglycans-chondroitin sulphates are linked to the hyaluronic acid and
other molecules of the extracellular matrix in order to form a
three-dimensional network. This network has several important roles in the
maintenance of the homeostasis of the central nervous system. [8-12]
Carulli D and co-workers from Cambridge University considered the possible
benefits of chondroitin sulfate on nerve cell regeneration. As described
before, proteoglycans are of two main types, chondroitin sulfate and heparin
sulfate. The chondroitin sulfate acts mainly as barrier-forming molecules,
whereas the heparin sulfate stabilise the interactions of receptors and
ligands. During development chondroitin sulfates pattern cell migration, axon
growth pathways and axon terminations. Later in development and in
adulthood chondroitin sulfates associate with some classes of neuron and
control plasticity. After damage to the nervous system, chondroitin sulfates
are the major axon growth inhibitory component of the glial scar tissue that
blocks successful regeneration. Chondroitin sulfates have a variety of roles in
the nervous system, including binding to molecules and blocking their action,
presenting molecules to cells and axons, localising active molecules to
particular sites and presenting growth factors to their receptors. [1, 13] While,
other researchers, such as lida J and co-workers from University of
Minnesota, are interested in its role in tumor cell invasion and metastasis. [14]
Tumor cell invasion and metastasis is highly dependent on dynamic changes
in the adhesion and migration of transformed and malignant cells. As with
normal cell adhesion, the adhesion of tumor cells influences their cytoskeletal
organization, activation of signal transduction pathways within the cell, and
nuclear events leading to changes in mRNA transcription and protein
synthesis. Furthermore, as tumor cells invade the circulation, they adhere to
activated endothelial cells at sites within the vasculature during arrest and
extravasation. Studies in the area of tumor cell adhesion and migration have
demonstrated that the recognition of extracellular matrix ligands, or adhesion
promoting ligands expressed on neighboring cells (i.e. counter-receptors),
involves complex molecular recognition mechanisms. The complexity arises, in
part, from the multiple recognition sites that are present within adhesion
promoting ligands. Some of these structures within ECM components act by
binding integrins, whereas others bind additional receptors such as cell
surface proteoglycans. In this sense, adhesion promoting ligands may be
considered as informational arrays, that function to modulate cell phenotype
by engaging specific combinations of adhesion receptors on the cell surface.
Thus, cell surface chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans may play in modulating
tumor cell adhesion, migration and invasion.
What is a dietary supplement?
A dietary supplement is a product (other than tobacco) intended to
supplement the diet, which bears or contains one or more of the following
dietary ingredients: a vitamin, mineral, amino acid, herb, or other botanical; is
intended for ingestion in the form of a capsule, powder, softgel, or gelcap;
and is not represented as a conventional food or as a sole item of a meal or
the diet (as defined by the U.S. Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act,
Oct. 25, 1994).
What is celecoxib?
Celecoxib (brand name Celebrex) is a new type of nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), called a COX-2 inhibitor. Like traditional
NSAIDS, celecoxib blocks the COX-2 enzyme in the body that stimulates
inflammation. Unlike traditional NSAIDS, however, celecoxib does not block
the action of COX-1 enzyme, which is known to protect the stomach lining. As
a result, celecoxib reduces joint pain and inflammation with reduced risk of
gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding. FDA Alert: 4/7/2005:Celebrex has
been associated with an increased risk of serious adverse cardiovascular
(CV) events in a long-term placebo controlled trial. Based on the currently
available data, FDA has concluded that an increased risk of serious adverse
CV events appears to be a class effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs (NSAIDs) (excluding aspirin). FDA has requested that the package
insert for all NSAIDs, including Celebrex, be revised to include a boxed
warning to highlight the potential increased risk of CV events and the well
described risk of serious, and potentially life-threatening, gastrointestinal
bleeding. FDA has also requested that the package insert for all NSAIDs be
revised to include a contraindication for use in patients immediately
post-operative from coronary artery bypass (CABG) surgery.
THIS ARTICLE IS FOR YOUR REFERENCE ONLY. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTION, PLEASE, CONSULT
WITH YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY. MORE RESEARCH STUDIES ARE NEEDED TO CONFIRM
CHONDROITIN SULFATE BENEFITS ON OSTEOARTHRITIS AND OTHER CONDITIONS. ALL RIGHTS
RESERVED @2008. DO NOT COPY NOR TRANSFER THIS ARTICLE TO OTHER WEBSITES OR OTHER
PUBLICATIONS WITHOUT PERMISSION.
REFERENCE [1] Carulli D et al, Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans in neural development and
regeneration. Curr Opin Neurobiol. 2005 Apr;15(2):252. [2] Owens S Recent advances in glucosamine
and chondroitin supplementation. J Knee Surg. 2004 Oct;17(4):185-93. [3] Volpi N The pathobiology of
osteoarthritis and the rationale for using the chondroitin sulfate for its treatment. Curr Drug Targets
Immune Endocr Metabol Disord. Jun;4(2):119-27.2004. [4] Reginster JY et al, Naturocetic (glucosamine
and chondroitin sulfate) compounds as structure-modifying drugs in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Curr
Opin Rheumatol. 2003 Sep;15(5):651-5. [5] Angermann P Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate in the
treatment of arthritis Ugeskr Laeger. 2003 Jan 27;165(5):451-4. [6] Bijlsma JW Glucosamine and
chondroitin sulfate as a possible treatment for osteoarthritis Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 2002 Sep
28;146(39):1819-23. [7] Brief AA et al, Use of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate in the management
of osteoarthritis. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2001 Mar-Apr;9(2):71-8. [8] Crespo-Santiago D et al, The
extracellular matrix of the central nervous system: chondroitin sulphate type proteoglycans and neural
repair Rev Neurol. 2004 May 1-15;38(9):843-51. [9]Grumet M et al, Functions of brain chondroitin
sulfate proteoglycans during developments: interactions with adhesion molecules. Perspect Dev
Neurobiol. 1996;3(4):319-30. [10] Margolis RU et al, Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans as mediators of
axon growth and pathfinding. Cell Tissue Res. 1997 Nov;290(2):343-8. [11] Oohira A et al, Molecular
interactions of neural chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans in the brain development. Arch Biochem
Biophys. 2000 Feb 1;374(1):24-34. [12] Rauch U et al, Neurocan: a brain chondroitin sulfate
proteoglycan. Cell Mol Life Sci. 2001 Nov;58(12-13):1842-56. [13] Zhuo L et al, A physiological
function of serum proteoglycan bikunin: the chondroitin sulfate moiety plays a central role. Glycoconj J.
2002 May-Jun;19(4-5):241-7. [14] Bali JP et al, Biochemical basis of the pharmacologic action of
chondroitin sulfates on the osteoarticular system. Semin Arthritis Rheum. 2001 Aug;31(1):58-68. [15]
Kelly GS The role of glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfates in the treatment of degenerative joint
disease. Altern Med Rev. 1998 Feb;3(1):27-39. [16] Iida J et al, Cell surface chondroitin sulfate
proteoglycans in tumor cell adhesion, motility and invasion. Semin Cancer Biol. 1996 Jun;7(3):155-62.
Popular
Supplements
Acetyl-L Carnitine
Acidophilus
Bladderwrack
Bilberry
Chromium
CLA
Cod Liver Oil
Coenzyme Q
Colostrum
Dandelion
EGCG
Echinacea
Eleuthero
Ellagic Acid
Eve. Primrose Oil
Fish Oil
Flaxseed
Garlic
Ginger
Ginseng
Ginkgo Biloba
Glucosamine
Gotu Kola
Guar Gum
Hyaluronic acid
Lecithin
Lycopene
Milk Thistle
Nattokinase
Passion Flower
Probiotics
Policosanol /
Polycosanol
Pycnogenol
Reishi / Lingzhi
Resveratrol
Rhodiola
Royal Jelly
Stevia
Whey
Xylitol
Supplements
Acetyl-L Carnitine
Acidophilus
Bladderwrack
Bilberry
Chromium
CLA
Cod Liver Oil
Coenzyme Q
Colostrum
Dandelion
EGCG
Echinacea
Eleuthero
Ellagic Acid
Eve. Primrose Oil
Fish Oil
Flaxseed
Garlic
Ginger
Ginseng
Ginkgo Biloba
Glucosamine
Gotu Kola
Guar Gum
Hyaluronic acid
Lecithin
Lycopene
Milk Thistle
Nattokinase
Passion Flower
Probiotics
Policosanol /
Polycosanol
Pycnogenol
Reishi / Lingzhi
Resveratrol
Rhodiola
Royal Jelly
Stevia
Whey
Xylitol
 |  |  |  |
Research Notes on Food
Supplements and Medicine
This site shares information on research findings on food, supplements,
diseases and medicine.
Supplements and Medicine
This site shares information on research findings on food, supplements,
diseases and medicine.
