Chondroprotective effects of a new glucosamine combination in rats: Gene expression, biochemical and histopathological evaluation.

Aims: This study investigates the effect of a new combination of glucosamine hydrochloride, chondroitin sulfate, methylsulfonylmethane, Harpagophytum procumbens root extract (standardized to 3% harpagoside) and bromelain extract (GCMHB) on formalin-induced damage to cartilage tissue in the rat knee joint and evaluates this combination in comparison with another combination of glucosamine hydrochloride, chondroitin sulfate and methylsulfonylmethane (GKM).

Materials And Methods: Animals in the control group were injected with formalin into the knee joint (FCG). Animals in the GCMHB-500 group were given 500mg/kg GCMHB+formalin, and those in the GKM-500 group were given 500mg/kg GKM+formalin. Finally, a healthy group (HG) was also used. GCMHB and GKM were administered to rats orally once a day for 30days. At the end of this period, the rats were sacrificed and the levels of MDA, NO, 8-OH/Gua, and tGSH in the knee joint tissue were measured. Analysis of IL-1β and TNF-α gene expression was done and the tissue was evaluated histopathologically.

Key Findings: MDA, NO and 8-OH/Gua levels and IL-1β and TNF-α gene expression were significantly lower in the GCMHB-500 group compared to the FCG group, whereas tGSH was significantly higher in the GCMHB-500 group than in the FCG group. No significant difference was found for the IL-1β, TNF-α and oxidant/antioxidant parameters between the GKM and FCG groups. The histopathological analysis showed that GCMHB could prevent damage to the cartilage joint, whereas GKM could not.

Significance: GCMHB may be used clinically by comparing with GKM in the treatment of osteoarthritis.