Osteoarthritis is a painful degenerative disease of the cartilage and adjacent bone of joints. Most elderly people are afflicted to some extent, while younger people are also at risk, especially if they have suffered joint trauma, have had repetitive use of certain joints due to occupation or lifestyle, or if they are obese. It is estimated that 21 million American adults suffer from the disease, and many of those use medication to relieve the associated pain.
Chond sulfate or chondroitin sulfate is the sulfate form of glycosaminoglycan. It contains a chain of the sugars N-acetylgalactosamine and glucuronic acid placed at alternate positions. They are usually attached to a class of proteins called as proteoglycans within the body. Chond Sulfate forms an integral part of the different connecting tissues within the human body. Various forms of this compound are present depending on the position and number of sulfate ions and carbon atoms present in them.
Chond sulfate forms a major part of the external matrix and thus, helps in maintaining each tissue’s structural integrity. It is present as a part of proteogylcans like aggrecan, brevican, neurocan etc. As a component of aggrecan in cartilages, it repels other particles by the generation of electrostatic charge. This improves the resistance of cartilages to a great extent. Loss of chond sulfate is one of the major reasons for osteoarthritis. Being negatively charged, chond sulfate reacts easily with the proteins present in the matrix. Such reactions are necessary for many of the cellular processes.
Chond sulfate chains present in the external matrix of the brain perform the function of stabilizing its synapses as a part of the perineuronal network. Chond sulfate also plays a role in the prevention of regeneration of damaged nerve endings in case of an injury. It is believed that chond sulfate also performs other roles in the human body; however researchers have not been able to fully categorize the functions performed by chond sulfate and heparin sulfate.
The Supplements of chond sulfate are available in various forms. It is usually extracted from the cartilages of cows and pigs and also from other animals like sharks, fishes and birds in lesser quantities. The supplements available are not well regulated. In many countries, research is still being carried out to determine proper dosage and other specifications. These supplements inhibit the action of proteolytic enzymes, nitric oxide and other substances that damage the external matrix. Some studies have successfully proved the role of chond sulfate in healing the structural changes in subchondral bones due to osteoarthritis. Regular doses also help in relieving the pain caused by the disease. However, there have been concerns regarding the purity of the drugs as in making them; naturally extracted chond sulfate is treated with potentially harmful chemicals.
Thus, chond sulfate has proved to be extremely useful component of bones in the body and with sufficient research, it can be widely use as a dietary supplement for patients suffering from osteoarthritis.
