Anti-arthritic activity of synthesized chondroitin sulfate E hexasaccharide

The purpose of this study was to investigate the anti-arthritic effects of synthesized chondroitin sulfate E hexasaccharide (sCSE-6, CAS 866407-73-0), using a type II collagen-induced arthritis model in mice. sCSE-6 was administered subcutaneously on a daily basis to type II collagen (CII)-sensitized mice from day 0 to day 55. The severity of arthritis, as well as the immunohistological features of the arthritic mice, were analyzed. sCSE-6 inhibited the course of arthritis and restored the body weight loss of CII-immunized mice. An immunohistological analysis showed that bone/cartilage destruction in the arthritic mice was significantly attenuated by sCSE-6 treatment, with a marginal inhibition of synovial inflammation also observed. The beneficial effect of sCSE-6 on bone destruction, which is the most important factor in preventing arthritis, is particularly noteworthy. In summary, sCSE-6 inhibited arthritis and helped to prevent bone and cartilage destruction in a type II collagen-induced arthritis model in mice. The findings indicated that CSE oligosaccharides might be a novel potential therapeutic tool for rheumatoid arthritis.