Effects of Hexosamine Derivatives and Uronic Acid Derivatives on Glycosaminoglycane Metabolism of Fibroblast Cultures

Abstract

The influence of glucosamine, galactosamine, glucuronic acid and of some derivatives of these compounds on mucopolysaccharide metabolism and on protein metabolism of primary fibroblast monolayer cultures was studied. Glucosamine, glucosamine · HC1, glucosamine · HJ and glucosamine sulfate (in concentrations of 100 µg/ml each) caused a considerable, statistically highly significant increase of the secretion of mucopolysaccharides by the fibroblasts. N-Acetylglucosamine and N-acetylgalactosamine were effective too, though to a lesser degree. Glucuronic acid was without any influence on mucopolysaccharide production. The protein content of the cultures was not affected by the 7 compounds mentioned so far in concentrations of up to 100 µg/ml. Galactosamine and betaineglucuronate induced a certain depression of a mucopolysaccharide production and simultaneously a decrease of the cellular protein content.

Oral supplements in the treatment and prevention of joint diseases: a review of their potential application to the horse

“…Incorporation of exogenous glucosamine into newly synthesised glycosaminoglycans has been confirmed (Bassleer et al 1992). Specific stimulation of hyaluronan synthesis has also been demonstrated (Rodén 1956;Karzel and Domenjoz 1971;Setnikar et al 1991b). In contrast, one study has reported catabolic effects of glucosamine on canine chondrocyte cultures (Anderson et al 1999).…”

“…The availability of glucosamine is a rate-limiting step in glycosaminoglycan synthesis (Karsel and Domenjoz 1971;Vidal y Plana et al 1978). Exogenous glucosamine stimulated synthesis of cartilage glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans in vitro (Rodén 1956;Karzel and Domenjoz 1971;Vidal y Plana and Karzel 1980;Setnikar et al 1991a,b) in a dose responsive manner (Karzel and Domenjoz 1971;Vidal-y-Plana et al 1978;Bassleer et al 1992Bassleer et al , 1993. Proteoglycan biosynthesis is enhanced by 2 mechanisms: the availability of substrate for the macromolecules and a stimulating effect on the incorporation of other essential substrates (Rodén 1956).…”

Managing chronic arthritis

“…Almost 50% more of the sulfate salt is required to provide an equal amount of bioactive glucosamine as the hydrochloride salt, however [153]. N-acetylglucosamine was found to be less efficacious in cell culture than other glucosamine products [154]. In other species, glucosamine has been shown to enhance chondrocyte synthesis of GAGs and collagen, minimize synovitis, and provide symptomatic relief from osteoarthritis [118,153].…”

Preformulation Studies and Characterization of Proposed Chondroprotective Agents: Glucosamine HCl and Chondroitin Sulfate

“…[4 -7] Glucosamine, a mucopolysaccharide derived from chitin, provides a "building block" for the regeneration of glycosaminoglycans (GAG) and assists in rebuilding damaged cartilage, thus restoring articular function in most chronic arthritic patients. [1,8] Chondroitin sulfate is a viscous biological polymer of relatively high molecular weight, commonly derived from shark or bovine cartilage. [9,10] It has been commonly used in combination with glucosamine for joint maintenance.…”