chondroitin sulfate A

Chondroitin sulfate A, also known as chondroitin 4-sulfate, is a sulfated glycosaminoglycan (GAG) that serves as a major structural component of the extracellular matrix in connective tissues, particularly cartilage. It is composed of repeating disaccharide units of D-glucuronic acid and N-acetyl-D-galactosamine, with a sulfate group specifically located at the C4 position of the galactosamine residue. In clinical practice, it is primarily utilized as a symptomatic slow-acting drug for osteoarthritis (SYSADOA), where it exhibits chondroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties. Its mechanism of action involves the inhibition of cartilage-degrading enzymes such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and aggrecanases (ADAMTS), the stimulation of proteoglycan and hyaluronic acid synthesis by chondrocytes, and the suppression of pro-inflammatory signaling pathways, including the NF-kappaB pathway. Beyond joint health, it is used in ophthalmic surgery as a viscoelastic agent to protect the corneal endothelium and in topical formulations for its moisturizing and wound-healing benefits.

Brand names

CondrosulfStructumChondrosulf

Other names

Chondroitin 4-sulfateChondroitin4-sulfateChondroitin-4-sulfateCSAChondroitin 4-sulphateChondroitin4-sulphateChondroitin-4-sulphate