Glucosamine as a Treatment for Osteoarthritis: What If It’s True?

Abstract

No disease-modifying treatments are currently available for osteoarthritis (OA). While many therapeutic approaches are now being investigated it is ethical to resort to alternative solutions as that we already possess. There are many reasons for thinking that, at sufficiently high doses, glucosamine (GlcN) sulphate possesses a clinically relevant effect on OA pain. Wide inter-individual variations in the symptomatic effects of GlcN are explained by the extreme variability of its bioavailability. In studies evaluating its structure-modifying effect, GlcN was more effective than placebo in reducing the rate of joint space narrowing in patients with knee OA. More recent data suggest that GlcN may be effective in the primary prevention of OA in sportsmen. There is no controversy concerning the safety of GlcN which does not differ to that of placebo. Several studies have recently revealed an unexpected effect of GlcN on cardiovascular mortality. After adjusting for confounding factors, the regular consumption of GlcN correlated with a 27% reduction in mortality and a 58% reduction in deaths from cardiovascular causes. These data confirm animal studies demonstrating a protective effect of GlcN against cancer and cardiovascular diseases due to modulation of the O-GlcNAcylation pathway. Disorders in O-GlcNAcylation are involved in diabetes, obesity and cancers, which all feature chronic low-grade inflammation (CLGI). By regulating CLGI, GlcN may be beneficial to the symptoms of OA, its outcome and to that of the concomitant chronic pathologies, making GlcN as a valuable candidate for the treatment of OA in patients with metabolic syndrome, diabetes or cardiovascular diseases.

New insights into the interplay between autophagy and cartilage degeneration in osteoarthritis

“…2-amino-2-deoxy-β-d-glucopyranose (glucosamine) is widely used to improve the symptoms and to delay the structural progression of OA ( Conrozier & Lohse, 2022 ). Glucosamine is an effective autophagy activator, and autophagy enhancement mainly depends on the Akt/FOXO/mTOR pathway ( Caramés et al, 2013 ).…”

Coping Strategies Among Elderly Women Suffering From Knee Osteoarthritis Pain At Beni-Suef City

“…In the United Kingdom (UK) 20% to 30% of elders over 60 years have symptomatic osteoarthritis. In the Middle East, more than one million people suffer from OA in Iraq, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, and Syria (7) In Egypt prevalence of OA is 8.5% in the total adult population, approximately 85% of individuals over the age of 75 years of age experience some symptoms of osteoarthritis. 40% of individuals with the disorder experience significant difficulties with daily activities to the point of interfering with workrelated or social roles.…”

The Formulation of the N-Acetylglucosamine as Nanoparticles Increases Its Anti-Inflammatory Activities: An In Vitro Study

“…Along with these therapies, the use of Glucosamine (GlcN) and its derivatives has become widespread in the last few decades, especially as food supplements added to a composition of nutraceuticals [ 13 ]. Clinical trials confirmed that glucosamine sulphate, at high doses, is the most active molecule to treat OA pain [ 14 , 15 ]. On the other hand, any current reformulation of GlcN was poorly able to increase drug delivery or efficacy [ 16 ].…”