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Ann Rheum Dis 2008;67:735-740 doi:10.1136/ard.2006.068882
  • Review

Biochemical basis of the effect of chondroitin sulphate on osteoarthritis articular tissues

  1. J Monfort1,
  2. J-P Pelletier2,
  3. N Garcia-Giralt1,
  4. J Martel-Pelletier2
  1. 1
    Hospital del Mar, Passeig del Mar, Barcelona, Spain
  2. 2
    Osteoarthritis Research Unit, University of Montreal Hospital Centre, Notre-Dame Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
  1. Johanne Martel-Pelletier, Osteoarthritis Research Unit, University of Montreal Hospital Centre, Notre-Dame Hospital, 1560 rue Sherbrooke Est, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H2L 4M1; jm{at}martelpelletier.ca
  • Accepted 5 July 2007
  • Published Online First 20 July 2007

Abstract

Osteoarthritis is a chronic disease characterised by irreversible damage to joint structures, including loss of articular cartilage, osteophyte formation, alterations in the subchondral bone and synovial inflammation. Pain, functional disability and impairment of health-related quality of life are major complaints in patients with osteoarthritis. Several compounds have been investigated for their positive effects on the relief of clinical symptoms and improvement of structural changes in osteoarthritis. It has been shown that chondroitin sulphate interferes with the progression of structural changes in joint tissues and is used in the management of patients with osteoarthritis. This review summarises data from relevant reports describing the mechanisms of action of chondroitin sulphate involved in the beneficial effects of the drug.

Footnotes

  • Competing interests: None.

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