Interleukin-1? down-regulates the expression of glucuronosyltransferase I, a key enzyme priming glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis: Influence of glucosamine on interleukin-1?-mediated effects in rat chondrocytes

Abstract

The results of this study suggest that the deleterious effect of IL-1beta on the anabolism of proteoglycan could involve the repression of GlcAT-I, a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of glycosaminoglycan. Glucosamine was highly effective in preventing these IL-1beta-mediated suppressive effects. The amino sugar also prevented the production of inflammatory mediators induced by the cytokine. This action could account for a possible beneficial effect of glucosamine on osteoarthritic articular cartilage.