To observe and compare the efficacy and safety of glucosamine sulfate (GS) and chondroitin sulfate (CS) in the treatment of adult Kashin-Beck disease (KBD), so as to provide effective medical evidence for the standardized treatment of adult KBD.

A clinical randomized controlled trial was conducted in Fuyu County and Shangzhi City, KBD historical seriously ill areas in Heilongjiang Province. A total of 247 patients were selected according to the standard of "Diagnosis of Kashin-Beck Disease" (WS/T 207-2010). According to gender, age and KBD condition, they were randomly divided into GS and CS groups, 124 and 123 respectively. Follow up once a month to investigate the medication and clinical symptoms of patients, and distribute drugs for the next stage. Fasting blood and urine samples were collected before, during and at the end of treatment (0, 90 and 180 d). Serum interleukin (IL)-1β content and urine pyridine (PYD) level were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The visual analogue scale (VAS) score, affected joints, self-evaluation of curative effect and side effects were evaluated through the questionnaire, joint dysfunction and drug efficacy were evaluated according to the criteria of "Evaluation of Therapeutic Effect of Kashin-Beck Disease" (WS/T 79-2011).

Expression of cytokines related to cartilage metabolism: at 180 d of treatment, serum IL-1β contents and urinary PYD levels in GS and CS groups were lower than those at 0 d of treatment (Z = - 2.461, - 2.160, - 5.075, - 5.471, P < 0.05). VAS score: at 90 and 180 d of treatment, the scores of knee pain, stiffness and function in GS and CS groups were lower than those at 0 d of treatment ( P < 0.05); and at 180 d of treatment, the scores of knee stiffness and function in GS group were lower than those in CS group ( P < 0.05). Evaluation of affected joints: at 90 and 180 d of treatment, the scores of joint pain, swelling and stiffness in GS and CS groups were lower than those at 0 d of treatment ( P < 0.05). Self-evaluation of curative effect: at 180 d of treatment, the self-evaluation of curative of CS group were better than that at 90 d of treatment (χ ² = 9.376, P < 0.05). Evaluation of side effects: at 90 and 180 d of treatment, the side effects in GS and CS groups were mainly gastrointestinal symptoms. Joint dysfunction score: at 90 d of treatment, the sum of effective rate and markedly effective rate in GS group was higher than that in CS group (χ ² = 4.042, P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference between the two groups at 180 d of treatment (χ ² = 0.869, P > 0.05).

GS and CS have certain therapeutic effects on adult KBD, which can improve symptoms and reduce serum IL-1β content and urinary PYD level, but GS takes effects quickly, and its effect on improving joint stiffness and function are better than CS.

Kashin-Beck disease; Osteoarthritis; Glucosamine sulfate; Chondroitin sulfate