ObjectiveTo compare the clinical efficacy of glucosamine hydrochloride and diacerein for patients with knee osteoarthritis and the MRI variation. MethodsBetween January and June 2014, 90 patients with knee osteoarthritis were randomized into three groups: group A (treated by glucosamine hydrochloride), group B (treated by diacerein) and group C (treated by both glucosamine hydrochloride and diacerein). The score of Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) index of osteoarthritis, MRI cartilage injury Recht grading and the curative effects for bone marrow edema, joint cavity effusion and meniscus injury were compared before and after the treatment. ResultsThe scores of WOMAC after treatment in all the groups were improved, while the therapeutic effect of group C lasted longer when medical treatment suspended. The number of articular surface with different degrees of cartilage injury showed no statistically significant change in all three groups (P ＞ 0.05) . The state of bone marrow edema and joint cavity effusion were improved with a statistically significant difference in all groups (P ＜ 0.05) . Patients with lateral meniscus degeneration in group A and patients with medial meniscal tear in group B both increased with statistically significant differences (P ＜ 0.05) . However, in group C, patients with lateral meniscus degeneration or meniscal tear decreased with statistically significant differences (P ＜ 0.05) . ConclusionsThe treatment for osteoarthritis by glucosamine hydrochloride is effective, and the curative effect lasts longer when treated by both glucosamine hydrochloride and diacerein. Glucosamine hydrochloride ameliorates the bone marrow edema and joint cavity effusion. Treatment together with diacerein leads to a better therapeutic effect for patients with meniscus degeneration, yet further studies are needed to prove its effects in ameliorating cartilage injury.
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical effect of combined traditional Chinese and Western medicine in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (KOA). MethodsA total of 180 KOA patients treated between January 2012 and June 2015 were randomly assigned to 3 groups: Chinese medicine group (group A, n=60) with acupuncture and irradiation therapy of specific electromagnetic wave therapeutic apparatus , western medicine group (group B, n=60) with oral glucosamine hydrochloride tablets and knee joint cavity injection of sodium hyaluronate, and integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine group (group C, n=60) with treatments combining those in both group A and B. The treatment course was 6 weeks. The Western Ontario & McMaster University (WOMAC) osteoarthritis index score and total effective rate were evaluated before treatment and 2 weeks after treatment, end of treatment and 5 months after treatment. ResultsAfter treatment, the average improvement of WOMAC scores in the three groups was significantly different (P ＜ 0.05) . The total effective rate was 78.33% in group A, 83.33% in group B, and 91.67% in group C. The difference of total effective rate between group C and A, and between group C and B was statistically significant (P＜0.05) ; and it was also statistically significant between group A and B (P ＜ 0.05) . There were two cases of adverse reactions in group A, two in group B, and two in group C, and the reactions were all relatively mild without any serious adverse events. ConclusionsChinese medicine and western medicine are both effective and safe for the treatment of KOA. When they are combined, the effect is further enhanced with no increase of adverse reactions.
ObjectiveTo assess the therapeutic effect of arthroscopic microfracture surgery combined with oral glucosamine hydrochloride on osteochondritis dissecans of the knee. MethodsBetween January 2014 and June 2015, 24 patients with osteochondritis dissecans of the knee ready to undergo arthroscopic microfracture surgery were divided into experimental group (odd surgery sequence numbers) treated with arthroscopic microfracture surgery combined with oral glucosamine hydrochloride (480 mg/time, 3 times per day, from the first day to 3 months after the surgery) and control group (even surgery sequence numbers) treated with arthroscopic microfracture surgery. All the patients were discharged from the hospital after one week of rehabilitation exercises with rehabilitation equipment of lower extremity. Follow-up lasted for at least 6 months. The therapeutic effects of the two methods were assessed according to Tegner scores for motor function of knee joint and United States New York specialty surgical hospital (HSS) scores. ResultsThe symptoms of knee joint was alleviated significantly after the operation. The function of knee joint was improved significantly after 6 weeks. Tegner and HSS scores before surgery were not significantly different between the two groups (P>0.05). The Tegner scores were not significantly different between the two groups 6 weeks after surgery (P>0.05). The difference of Tegner scores were statistically significant between the two groups 12 and 24 weeks after surgery (P<0.05), and HSS scores of the experimental group improved better than the control group 6, 12 and 24 weeks after surgery, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). ConclusionThe short-term effect of arthroscopic microfracture surgery combined with oral glucosamine hydrochloride is better than that of arthroscopic microfracture surgery in the treatment of osteochondritis dissecans of the knee.
ObjectiveTo observe the therapeutic effect of electro-acupuncture combined with oral glucosamine hydrochloride capsules in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis, and compare it with the curative effect of the two methods separately. MethodsA total of 168 patients with knee osteoarthritis treated from March 2006 to December 2012 were randomly divided into 3 groups. Electro-acupuncture combined with oral glucosamine hydrochloride capsules were given to the 58 patients in the treatment group, single acupuncture treatment was given to the 57 patients in control group A, and simple oral glucosamine hydrochloride capsules were given to the 53 patients in control group B. The treatment lasted for 6 weeks. Assessment of knee osteoarthritis by Lequesne international standard index number and the total efficiency was carried out before treatment and 3 weeks, 6 weeks and 6 months after treatment, respectively. ResultsThe total effective rate of the treatment group was 91.38%, of control group A was 68.42%, and of control group B was 79.25%. There was a significant difference between the treatment group and control group A, and between the treatment group and control group B (P<0.05). No blood, liver or kidney damage or gastrointestinal adverse reaction occurred among patients in all the three groups. ConclusionThe efficacy of electro-acupuncture plus oral glucosamine hydrochloride capsules is better than simple acupuncture and simple oral glucosamine hydrochloride capsules treatment.
Objective To access the protective effects of glucosamine hydrochloride capsules (OTL) on articular cartilage in osteoarthritis of rabbit. Methods Thirty-six New Zealand white rabbits were divided randomly into three groups (n=12): sham group (group A), anterior cruciate l igament transection (ACLT)/normal sal ine group (group B), and ACLT/ OTL group (group C). Rabbits in groups B, C received ACLT on the right knee. Rabbits in group A were not given ACLT ascontrol. Group C received a daily administration of OTL at a dose of 150 mg/kg of body weight for 12 weeks; in contrast, group B received normal sal ine at the same dose. All rabbits were sacrificed after 12 weeks. The right femoral condyle were removed and observed at pathologic changes with HE staining and graded by Mankin’s scale, the expression level of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) and interleukin 1β (IL-1β) were detected by immunohistochemical staining. Results All rabbits survived at the end of experiment and incision healed well. The gross observation showed that joint synovia increased and articular surface was smooth and integrity in group A; that ulcer was observed on the articular surface of group B; and that articular surface was smooth and integrity in group C. There were sigificant differences in articular cartilage scores between 3 groups (P lt; 0.05). The histological observation showed that the articular cartilage had normal structure and the cells arranged regularly in group A; that the articular cartilage became thin and the cells arranged irregularly in group B; and that the cells arranged with a clear layer and had regular shape in group C. The Mankin scores were 1.04 ± 0.13, 7.97 ± 0.12, and 2.81 ± 0.36 in groups A, B, and C, respectively; showing significant difference between 3 groups (P lt; 0.05). The result of immunohistochemistry showed that the expressions of TGF-β1 were 50.62 ± 1.51, 24.81 ± 1.28, and 41.57 ± 1.69 and the expressions of IL-1β were 13.12 ± 1.21, 62.53 ±2.37, and 30.67 ± 1.28; showing significant differences between 3 groups (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion A daily administration ofOTL at a dose of 150 mg/kg for 12 weeks can partially decrease the expression levels of IL-1β and increase the expression levels of TGF-β1, which delays the development of osteoarthritis.
Objective To observe the treatment efficacy and safety of glucosamine hydrochloride tablets on uremia patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Methods A total of 118 uremia patients with knee OA were selected and randomly divided into the glucosamine hydrochloride tablets treatment group (treatment group) and the coated aldehyde oxystarch capsules group (control group) with 59 cases in each group. The course was 8 weeks. The Lequesne Index was assessed for curative effect evaluation, and the change of blood indexes was observed to evaluate drug safety. Results The total effective rate of Lequesne Index in the treatment group was 72.9%, while that in the control group was 13.6%; the difference was statistically significant (χ2=42.303, P<0.001). There was no significant change in the two groups before and after treatment in terms of the patients’ dialysis adequacy, routine blood, blood electrolytes, liver and kidney function (P>0.05). Conclusion Glucosamine hydrochloride tablets is curative and safe in the treatment of uremia patients with OA.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the therapeutic effect of glucosamine hydrochloride combined with Tenghuangjiangu tablets on knee osteoarthritis. MethodsFrom August 2012 to February 2014, 180 patients with knee osteoarthritis were randomly divided into three groups with 60 in each. Patients in group A were treated with glucosamine hydrochloride; patients in group B were treated with Tenghuangjiangu tablets; and patients in group C were treated with the combination of glucosamine hydrochloride and Tenghuangjiangu tablets. After the 12-week treatment, clinical efficacy and safety of the treatment were observed and compared with those before the treatment. ResultsThe twenty-meter walking pain, Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and the joint tenderness in the three groups 12 weeks after the treatment and 4 weeks after withdrawal improved obviously compared with those before the treatment (P<0.05), and the difference between the results of 12 weeks after treatment and 4 weeks after withdrawal was not significant (P>0.05). The improvement in group C was better than both group A and B with significant differences (P<0.05), while the difference between group A and B was not significant (P>0.05). There was no obvious abnormal routine blood and urine test result or damage of liver and lung functions during the treatment in all the three groups. Twelve weeks after treatment, six patients with abdominal ache were found in group A with an incidence of 10.0%; 5 abdominal ache and 2 diarrhea were in group B with a rate of 12.5%; and 4 abdominal ache and 3 diarrhea were in group C with a rate of 12.5%. All the patients completed the treatment. No significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions was found among the three groups (P>0.05). ConclusionThe therapeutic effect of combined glucosamine hydrochloride and Tenghuangjiangu tablets is obvious on knee osteoarthritis with low incidence of adverse reactions.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of the glucosamine hydrochloride combined with risedronate in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) associated with cold pain of knee. MethodsThe clinical data of 50 KOA patients including 25 with cold pain and 25 without cold pain, treated in the Department of Rheumatology between January and December 2015 were collected. The clinical symptoms, Western Ontario and McMater Universities (WOMAC) index of osteoarthritis score, knee cold pain score, knee joint therml texture maps (TTM) score, serum osteoprotegerin (OPG), Dickkopf-1 (DKK-1) , and sclerostin levels (SO) were recorded for comparison between patients with and without cold pain in order to investigate the correlation between these indicators and cold pain degree. Patients in the cold pain group were treated with glucosamine hydrochloride combined with risedronate. Follow-up lasted for six months, and the improvement of above indexes and the treatment safety were analyzed. ResultsThere were significant differences between the two groups in the disease course, TTM score of knee front and popliteal fossa, ΔTTM, DKK-1 and SO (P ＜ 0.05) . After 6 months of treatment, patients in the cold pain group improved significantly in WOMAC score, knee cold pain score, TTM score of knee front and popliteal fossa, ΔTTM, OPG, DKK-1 and SO (P ＜ 0.05) . ConclusionsAs one of the main complaints of patients with advanced OA, knee cold pain is associated with the metabolic activity of osteoclasts. It can be alleviated by the treatment with risedronate combined with glucosamine.
ObjectiveTo explore the efficacy of calcitonin combined with glucosamine hydrochloride on knee osteoarthritis. MethodsAccording to Kellgren-Lawrence radiographic scoring system, 156 patients with knee osteoarthritis diagnosed from November 2014 to April 2015 were classified as mild, moderate and severe cases. All of the patients were divided into control group (treated by glucosamine hydrochloride only) and trial group (treated by calcitonin combined with glucosamine hydrochloride) via table of random sampling numbers (with 78 patients in each group). The West Ontario and Manchester University (WOMAC) score was recorded at the 6th week and the 3rd month after the medication treatment. ResultsIn the patients with mild osteoarthritis, there were significant differences in WOMAC score of both groups at the 6th week and the 3rd month after treatment compared with those before the treatment (P<0.05); there were no significant differences between the two groups at the same time points after the treatment (P>0.05). In the patients with moderate osteoarthritis, WOMAC scores in the control group at the 3rd month differed much from that before the treatment (P<0.05); there were no significant differences between the two groups at the same time points after the treatment (P>0.05). In the patients with serious osteoarthritis, there was no significant difference in WOMAC scores in the control group after the treatment compared with that before the treatment (P>0.05); while in the trial group, the scores at the 3rd month after the treatment differed much from that before the treatment (P<0.05), and also from that in the control group (P<0.05). ConclusionFor mild knee osteoarthritis, the combined treatment is not superior to the single use of glucosamine hydrochloride. For moderate knee osteoarthritis, the combined treatment has faster effect than the single use of glucosamine hydrochloride. For severe osteoarthritis, the use of single glucosamine hydrochloride is not effective, while the combination of calcitonin and glucosamine hydrochloride is effective at the 3rd month after the treatment.
Objective To compare the clinical efficacy of glucosamine hydrochloride and Chinese traditional medicine of angelicae pubescentis and loranthi decoction in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. Methods We included 142 patients with mild-to-moderate knee osteoarthritis treated between January 2014 and July 2015. The patients were randomly divided into treatment group and control group. The 72 patients in the treatment group received glucosamine hydrochloride, while the other 70 patients in the control group took oral Chinese medicine of angelicae pubescentis and loranthi decoction. The treatment course was one month. We observed the clinical curative effect of both the two groups. Results After the treatment, the difference in Visual Analogy Score (VAS) and Severity Index of Osteoarthritis (ISOA) in the two groups were significant compared with those before the treatment (P ＜ 0.05) . There were significant differences between the two groups in terms of VAS pain score, ISOA and treatment effectiveness (P ＜ 0.05) . Conclusion Glucosamine hydrochloride can obviously relieve knee osteoarthritis symptoms and improve knee function, which has a better curative effect than the traditional Chinese medicine of angelicae pubescentis and loranthi decoction.