French study shows chondroitin slows progression and relieves symptoms of knee osteoarthritis

Administering chondroitins 4 and 6 sulfate (CS) for more than 2 years can prevent joint structure degradation in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA), according to a study conducted by researchers at the University of Paris Descartes.

The study, published in the February issue of Arthritis & Rheumatism, examined the effect of CS on OA progression and symptoms. CS, unlike other chondroitin sulfate products sold as dietary supplements in the United States, has been approved as a prescription symptomatic slow-acting drug for OA in many European countries.

Led by researcher Andre Kahan, the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study involved 622 patients with OA from France, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria and the United States. Patients had knee X-rays at the time of enrollment and at 12, 18 and 24 months. Investigators evaluated the X-rays for joint space loss, and patients were assessed for OA symptoms and pain, according to a press release.

Joint space loss was significantly reduced in the CS group.The medication was well-tolerated, and there were no significant differences in the frequency of adverse events between the two groups, the researchers reported in the press release.

The authors also noted that the study involved CS, which is used as a prescription drug, and the results cannot be generalized to other chondroitin sulfate products or compounds, such as those available in the form of dietary supplements.

“Further studies with longer follow-up and different outcome criteria are warranted to assess whether the beneficial structural changes associated with CS demonstrated in our study are predictive of improvement in the long-term clinical progression of OA,” they said in the press release.

Reference:
Kahan A, Uebelhart D, De Vathaire F, et al. Long-term effects of chondroitins 4 and 6 sulfate on knee osteoarthritis. Arthritis Rheum. 2009; 60(2):524-533.