Effects of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate on Cartilage Metabolism in OA: Outlook on Other Nutrient Partners Especially Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Table 1
Characteristics and results of selected placebo-controlled trials.
Author(s), year
Agent/Doses
Duration
Pts ()
Outcome measure
Results and conclusion
Bruyere et al. 2008 (follow-up of two RCTs 2001/02-see below) [27]
GlcN·S/1500 mg
Formerly: 3 yrs Now: mean 5 yrs after trial termination
340(% retrieved) GlcNS: 144 Plac: 131 at least 12-month treatment
Incidence of total knee replacement
Formerly: knee OA progression reduced, structure- and symptom-modifying effects Now: 6.3% of GlcN·S pts underwent total knee replacement surgery versus 14.5% of the plac. pts Risk of total knee replacement could be reduced 5 yrs after drug discontinuation.
Clegg et al. 2006 (GAIT, Glucosamine/Chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial) [28]
GlcN·HCl/1500 mg CS/1200 mg Celecoxib 200 mg
6 months
1583
20% reduction of knee pain
GlcN·HCl + CS: 66.4% of pts. had 20% pain reduction versus Plac: 61.1% of pts. —n.s.
354 (subgroup with moderate-to-severe pain)
20% reduction of knee pain
GlcNHCl + CS: 79,2% versus Plac. 54.3% Combination of GlcNHCl + CS was effective in reducing moderate-to-severe pain in knee OA.
Herrero-Beaumont et al. 2007 (GUIDE, Glucosamine Unum In Die Efficacy) [29]
GlcN·S/1500 mg Acetaminophen 3000 mg
6 months
318 GlcN·S 106 Acet. 108
OARSI-A responder (relative change WOMAC pain subscale of at least 55%)
GlcN·S: 39.6% versus plac. 21.2% Acet.: n.s. GlcN·S was superior to plac. in the treatment of knee OA
Radiographs of the knee: joint space narrowing; Lequ. index, WOMAC score
GlcN·S: no significant joint space loss Plac.: progressive joint space narrowing GlcNS: Lequ. and WOMAC scores improved by 20% to 25%; Structure- and symptom-modifying effects