Chondroitin sulfate

Chondroitin sulfate is a sulfated glycosaminoglycan (GAG) composed of a chain of alternating sugars (N-acetylgalactosamine and glucuronic acid). It is usually found attached to proteins as part of a proteoglycan. A chondroitin chain can have over 100 individual sugars, each of which can be sulfated in variable positions and quantities. Chondroitin sulfate is an important structural component of cartilage and provides much of its resistance to compression. Along with glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate has become a widely used dietary supplement for treatment of osteoarthritis.

Biochemical Structure

Chondroitin sulfate is a complex carbohydrate that helps cartilage retain water. It is one of the products that is categorized as a glycosaminoglycan. These are long unbranched polysaccharides containing a repeating disaccharide unit.

Medical Uses

Chondroitin is used in dietary supplements as an alternative medicine to treat osteoarthritis and also approved and regulated as a symptomatic slow-acting drug for this disease (SYSADOA) in Europe and some other countries. It is commonly sold together with glucosamine. Chondroitin and glucosamine are also used in veterinary medicine.

Side Effects

Chondroitin is a major component of extracellular matrix, and is important in maintaining the structural integrity of the tissue. However, it is also involved in sending erroneous signals which can lead to diseases like cancer and thrombosis.

See Also

• Glucosamine
• Osteoarthritis
• Extracellular matrix
• Glycosaminoglycan

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