The mechanism of action of glucosamine sulfate is often discussed in reference to the derangements in joint pathophysiology seen in osteoarthritis.Osteoarthritis characteristically manifests an imbalance between the synthesis of structural proteins of articular cartilage such as proteoglycans and collagen and their degradation by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs).In patients affected by this disease, chondrocytes can become activated to release pro-inflammatory cytokines due to environmental stress.Due to these postulated effects on cartilage turnover processes, the hypothesis is that glucosamine sulfate may serve a role in managing osteoarthritis.
