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As people
age, chronic systemic
inflammation can inflict
degenerative effects
throughout the body. A
primary cause of this
destructive cascade is the
production of cell-signaling
chemicals known as
inflammatory cytokines.
Along with these dangerous
cytokines, imbalances of
hormone-like messengers
called prostaglandins also
contribute to chronic
inflammatory processes.
Glucosamine
is a naturally occurring
amino sugar synthesized in
the body from L-glutamine
and glucose. Glucosamine
stimulates the manufacture
of glycosaminoglycans,
important components of the
cartilage needed for healthy
joints. Aging people seem
to lose their ability to
produce a sufficient amount
of glucosamine, and there
are no food sources
available. Commercial
sources of glucosamine are
from the exoskeleton of
certain shellfish and are
available as glucosamine
sulfate, glucosamine
hydrochloride, and N-acetyl-glucosamine.
The sulfated form may most
effectively incorporate
sulfur into the cartilage.
Glycosaminoglycans and
glycoproteins allow cells in
tissues to hold together.
They are necessary for the
construction and maintenance
of virtually all connective
tissues and lubricating
fluids in the body. In
particular, N-acetyl
glucosamine is the final
form, which together with
glucuronic acid, is
polymerized to make the
joint lubricant, hyaluronic
acid.
Chondroitin
sulfates provide the
structural components of
joint cartilage and
facilitate the entry of
glucosamine into joints.
Chondroitin sulfates also
inhibit free radical
enzymes. Like glucosamine,
chondroitin sulfate attracts
water into the cartilage
matrix and helps to
stimulate the production of
cartilage. |
