Analysis of glycosaminoglycans in human serum after oral administration of chondroitin sulfate

Chondroitin sulfate was administered orally to six healthy volunteers, six patients with rheumatoid arthritis and six patients with osteoarthritis. Blood was collected at intervals before and after treatment and the glycosaminoglycan concentration was analyzed in serum using a sensitive assay based...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inRheumatology international Vol. 12; no. 3; p. 81
Main Authors Baici, A, Hörler, D, Moser, B, Hofer, H O, Fehr, K, Wagenhäuser, F J
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Germany 01.07.1992
Subjects
Administration, Oral
Arthritis, Rheumatoid - blood
Chondroitin Sulfates - administration & dosage
Chondroitin Sulfates - metabolism
Digestive System - metabolism
Glycosaminoglycans - blood
Humans
Methylene Blue - analogs & derivatives
Osteoarthritis - blood
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Summary:Chondroitin sulfate was administered orally to six healthy volunteers, six patients with rheumatoid arthritis and six patients with osteoarthritis. Blood was collected at intervals before and after treatment and the glycosaminoglycan concentration was analyzed in serum using a sensitive assay based on the metachromatic reaction with 1,9-dimethylmethylene blue. The glycosaminoglycan concentration in serum before and after ingestion of chondroitin sulfate was statistically unchanged in all of the subjects studied. We suggest that chondroprotection by orally administered chondroitin sulfate is a biologically and pharmacologically unfounded theory. Any possible benefit to osteoarthritic patients after ingestion of chondroitin sulfate should be sought at the gastrointestinal rather than at the plasmatic or articular cartilage level.
ISSN:0172-8172
DOI:10.1007/BF00290259