Supplements for joint paint relief

Mechanisms of action of cartilage degeneration

Proteoglycans form the articular surface of the joints and undergo continual breakdown and renewal
Matrix degeneration exceeds synthesis during cartilage degeneration resulting in progressive loss of proteoglycans and charged sulphate groups.
During aging there is reduced numbers of chondrocytes that are able to manufacture full sized extracellular matrix molecules.
There may be reduced activity of specific glycosyl and/or sulfotransferases that add individual sugar units and sulphate groups to the growing glycosaminoglycans chains, resulting in problems for proteoglycan sulfation.
Proteoglycan sulfation is necessary for fluid retention in the cartilage and smooth joint functioning.
Reduced nutrient sugar supply to chondrocytes may lead to a loss of proteoglycan production and cartilage degeneration.

Effect of glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate
Glucosamine and Chondroitin sulphate act as readily available sugar to feed the glycosaminoglycan of the chondrocytes.
Combined adminstration of the above two is more effective than one alone.


Other effects of glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate
May reduce matrix destruction.
1.Glucosamine inhibits interleukin-1-beta-induced proteoglycan catabolism by inhibition of the cleavage enzyme aggrecanase and production of inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandin E metalloproteinases and the downregulation of glucuronosyltransgerase.
2.Chondroitin sulphate is anti inflammatory and may inhibit the action of several proteases which destroy cartilage and cytokines secreted by leukocytes and chondrocytes.

Source:420506 ffnmag