[Experimental confirmation of the antiarthritic activity of glycosaminoglycan polysulfate]

By the use of a biochemically induced animal model of osteoarthrosis we studied the chondroprotective properties and antiarthrotic potency of glycosaminoglycan-polysulfate (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 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 antiarthrotic 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.