Abstract. Glucosamine (GlcN) has been widely used to treat osteoarthritis (OA) in humans. However, its chondroprotective action on the joint is poorly understood. In this study, to elucidate the chondroprotective action of GlcN, we examined the effects of GlcN-derivatives (GlcN and N-acetyl-d-glucosamine) and uronic acids (d-glucuronic acid and d-galacturonic acid) (0.1-1 mM) on the production of glycosaminoglycans (GAG), such as hyaluronic acid (HA), keratan sulfate and sulfated GAG by human synovial cells and chondrocytes. The results indicate that among GlcN-derivatives and uronic acids, GlcN but not N-acetyld-glucosamine, d-glucuronic acid and d-galacturonic acid induce the production of HA by synovial cells and chondrocytes at >0.25 and >0.1 mM (p<0.05), respectively, and the production levels are much higher (>10-fold) in synovial cells compared to chondrocytes. In contrast, neither N-acetyld-glucosamine, d-glucuronic acid nor d-galacturonic acid affected the production of keratan sulfate and sulfated GAG by these cells. Moreover, the experiments with 3 H-labeled GlcN indicated that GlcN can be incorporated and utilized for the production of GAG (including HA) by synovial cells and chondrocytes. In addition, GlcN (1 mM) up-regulates the expression of HA-synthesizing enzymes (hyaluronan synthases) in synovial cells and chondrocytes. Together these observations indicate that GlcN may exhibit chondroprotective action on joint diseases such as OA by modulating the expression of HA-synthesizing enzymes and inducing the production of HA (a major component of GAG contained in synovial fluid) especially by synovial cells.
IntroductionOsteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disorder with an immense socioeconomic impact. OA is characterized by qualitative and quantitative changes in the architecture and composition of all the joint structures (1,2). An altered imbalance among the biosynthesis and degradation of matrix components leads to a progressive destruction of the tissue (3). currently, several treatments are available for OA ranging from conservative treatments to surgical extremes. conservative measures involve lifestyle modifications, physical therapy and pharmacological treatment with non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and intra-articular injection of hyaluronic acid (HA) (4). Treatments for early OA are primarily based on symptomatic relief, whereas irreversible joint disability in advanced OA usually requires surgical intervention to relieve pain and improve joint function (5). However, current treatments are mostly targeting the OA symptoms and not addressing the destructed structure of articular cartilage in OA.Glucosamine (GlcN), a naturally occurring amino monosaccharide, is present in the connective and cartilage tissues as a component of glycosaminoglycans (GAG). GlcN contributes to the maintainance of the strength, flexibility and elasticity of these tissues. Thus, GlcN has been widely used to treat OA for more than two decades in humans (6-9). Several short-and long-term clinica...