[Chondroprotective and antiarthrotic properties of glycosaminoglycan polysulfate (GAGPS) in gonarthrosis in animal experiments].

Abstract

In the pharmacotherapy of degenerative joint disease certain chondroprotective drugs are in use. Due to their biochemical properties and mode of action these agents have the power to reduce or stop the catabolic breakdown of articular cartilage in osteoarthrosis. Because of the bradytrophy of human articular cartilage, clinical trials involving such drugs require very lengthy periods of investigations (5-10 years). By the use of a biochemically induced animal model of osteoarthrosis we studied the chondroprotective properties and anti-arthritic potency of glycosaminoglycanpolysulfate (GAGPS; Arteparon) in-vivo. Under reproducible experimental conditions and using quantitative analytical methods (joint space measurements, radiological and macroscopic evaluations) we were able to demonstrate that intraarticular or intramuscular applications of GAGPS can significantly reduce the intensity and progression of joint degeneration. The therapeutic effect of GAGPS was dose-dependent, and noticeable not only in the early stages of experimental osteoarthrosis but also when therapy was begun only in the more advanced phases of joint degeneration. The degenerative effect of locally applied phenylbutazone was counteracted by GAGPS, confirming the chondroprotective potency of this compound. The interesting biochemical and pharmacological properties of GAGPS support and explain the anti-arthritic effects demonstrated in our in-vivo animal model of osteoarthrosis. The pronounced inhibition of cartilage-degrading enzymes by GAGPS and the stimulatory effect of this drug on hyaluronate synthesis may be regarded as important and clinically relevant properties.

• Authors: D A Kalbhen
• Journal: Zeitschrift fur Rheumatologie (Z Rheumatol) 1982 Sep-Oct Vol. 41 Issue 5 Pg. 219-29 ISSN: 0340-1855 [Print] Germany
• Vernacular Title: Chondroprotektive und antiarthrotische Eigenschaften von Glykosaminoglykanpolysulfat (GAGPS) bei der tierexperimentellen Gonarthrose.
• PMID: 6218713 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Glycosaminoglycans
• A73025
• Arteparon

Topics

• Animals
• Arthritis (drug therapy, pathology)
• Chickens
• Female
• Glycosaminoglycans (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Injections, Intra-Articular
• Injections, Intramuscular
• Knee Joint