Tab       DiOne (Diacerein, Glucosamine, Chondroitin and MSM) Brand: DiOne Generic: Diacerein, Glucosamine, MSM and Chondroitin Class: Medical Food Supplement Route of administration: Oral Dosage form: Tablet Dose: 1 tablet twice a day Contraindications: Pregnancy: Cat. C Pack Size: 30 tabs. Price: Rs. 960/- Supplement facts: Supplement Amount per serving Diacerein 50mg Glucosamine 600mg Chondroitin 400mg MSM 168mg 1. Diacerein The use of diacerein for the treatment of osteoarthritis is still under sometimes controversial discussion. Its postulated modes of action, all indicating IL-1 antagonism, make the drug an interesting option for the treatment of osteoarthritis not only for symptom relief but also for structure modification. Studies in different animal models [1-8] showed that diacerein consistently moderated cartilage loss in osteoarthritis. In humans, the ECHODIAH trial [9] showed a reduction in the progression of hip osteoarthritis in the diacerein-treated patients compared with the placebo group. Overall, this meta-analysis provides evidence for statistically significant and clinically relevant efficacy of diacerein on improvement of pain and function in patients with hip and/or knee osteoarthritis. The large number of patients included in this meta-analysis gives the basis for well-founded conclusions to be drawn. Considering the pain relief results, one has to consider that complete withdrawal of analgesic co-medication was not possible during the studies analyzed. In most of the trials, acetaminophen, which is also considered an appropriate treatment modality for moderate osteoarthritis, [10,11] was allowed as an escape medication in both the diacerein and control groups, and the amount taken was recorded by the patient in a diary. However, although mean intake of acetaminophen was similar during the active treatment period, its consumption increased significantly in the NSAID-treated patients, but not in the diacerein group, during the treatment-free follow-up period. After the end of treatment, SYSADOAs are supposed to have a carryover effect [12] In this meta-analysis, we found evidence for this carryover effect with respect to pain and consumption of escape medication in all sub analyses performed, not only in the individual trials but also in the pooled population, and not only compared with placebo [13,14] but also with active treatment modalities comprising diclofenac sodium, [15,16] tenoxicam, [17] piroxicam,[18,19] and naproxen [20]. Given the fact that all selected studies had a randomized, controlled, parallel-group de-sign, these findings indicate a positive impact of diacerein on the clinical status of patients with osteoarthritis. The patient’s global tolerability ratings at the end of active treatment showed no statistically significant differences between other active treatments and diacerein. However, as expected, a significant inferiority of diacerein vs placebo was observed, also indicating reproducibility of the results obtained here. The risk-benefit ratio associated with long-term use of NSAIDs and analgesics is well documented in the literature, [20,21-23] but clinical studies on the use of NSAIDs for more than 6 weeks in patients with osteoarthritis are rare [20,24]. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, particularly the selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors, are known to exert a higher risk for thromboembolic disorders such as myocardial infarction or stroke [25]. In this context, it is important to consider that most patients affected by osteoarthritis also experience disorders, or at least risk factors, of the cardiovascular system and that according to the European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicinal Products [26] and the Food and Drug Administration, [27] NSAIDs should be administered at the lowest possible dose for the shortest period. In contrast, cardiovascular adverse events in patients treated with diacerein can be considered very rare. In France, over a period of 11 years (from September 1994 to November 2005) and with more than 14 million prescriptions of diacerein, only 9 cases of cardiovascular adverse events with diacerein were spontaneously reported (information collected by the Drug Safety Department, Negma-Lerads, Toussus-Le-Noble, France). In particular, no acute coronary syndrome or myocardial infarction was reported. Thus, with respect to tolerability, diacerein may have some advantages compared with long-term application of NSAIDs. 2. Glucosamine and Chondroitin Currently, glucosamine (glucosamine sulfate (GS); glucosamine hydrochloride (GH)) and CS are the most commonly used supplements to ease the pain and discomfort of arthritis in humans and animals. Glucosamine and chondroitin are components of the ECM of articular cartilage. Glucosamine (2-amino-2-deoxy-d-glucose) is an amino sugar and a constituent of glycosaminoglycan (GAG), which plays a role in the normal growth and repair of articular cartilage. In fact, glucosamine is considered a building block of cartilage. Glucosamine is extracted from crab, lobster, and shrimp shells. Following oral administration of either GS or GH, these salts are ionized in the stomach, making glucosamine available for absorption in the small bowel. Ninety percent of GS is absorbed, but due to an extensive first-pass metabolism, bioavailability approaches only 25% [28] Its excretion is mainly through the kidneys, with only a small unmodified amount eliminated through the stool. CS is a sulfated GAG composed of a chain of alternating sugars, N-acetyl-d-galactosamine and d-glucuronic acid. CS is a normal constituent of aggrecan, the major proteoglycan of articular cartilage. It is extracted from animal cartilage, such as trachea and shark cartilage. Due to its larger size as compared to glucosamine, approximately 30% of CS is absorbed, with 12–13% bioavailability [29]. Studies suggest that glucosamine helps relieve pain by enhancing proteoglycan synthesis, which is impaired in osteoarthritic cartilage [30] . [31] investigated the effects of glucosamine on MMP production, MAPK phosphorylation, and activator protein (AP)-1 transcription factor activation in human chondrocytes. Findings revealed that glucosamine reduced the expression of MMPs (MMP-1, MMP-3, andMMP-13) and inhibited c-jun amino terminal kinase, p38 phosphorylation, and, consequently, c-jun binding activity. In essence, glucosamine inhibits IL-1β-stimulated MMP production in human chondrocytes by affecting MAPK phosphorylation. The glucosamine and CS combination suppresses IL-1-induced gene expression of iNOS, COX-2, mPGEs, and NF-κB in cartilage explants. This leads to reduced production of NO and PGE2, two mediators responsible for the cell death of chondrocytes and inflammatory reactions [32]. CS provides hydration, assists in cushioning impact stress, helps create osmotic pressure within the ECM to maintain the compressive resistance of cartilage, improves function/mobility of the joint, reduces the progression of OA, and reduces joint pain [33] CS has been shown to increase hyaluronan production by human synovial cells, which has a beneficial effect on maintaining viscosity in the SF. CS stimulates chondrocyte metabolism, leading to the synthesis of collagen and proteoglycan, the basic components of new cartilage [34]. CS also provides elasticity and assists in cushioning impact stress. It is suggested that CS may help the body to repair damaged cartilage and help restore joint integrity. It may also protect existing cartilage from premature breakdown. Because CS production by the body decreases with age, its supplementation may be especially helpful for older humans. Furthermore, CS inhibits the enzymes leukocyte elastase and hyaluronidase, which are found in high concentrations in SF of patients with rheumatic diseases. It has also been hypothesized to reduce inflammation, inhibit synthesis of degradative enzymes including MMPs, increase synthesis of ECM constituents, and reduce apoptosis of articular chondrocytes [35]. [36] reviewed details of the biochemical basis of the effect of CS on OA articular tissue. At molecular levels, CS inhibits NF-κB nuclear translocation and phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, ERK1/2, and JNK [37]. When given in combination, these two supplements: stimulate the synoviocyte and chondrocyte metabolism; inhibit the enzymatic degradation and reduce the fibrin thrombi in the periarticular microcirculation; and can regulate the genetic expression and the synthesis of NO and PGE2, thereby exerting anti-inflammatory properties. In addition to anti-inflammatory action, GS and CS exhibit an antioxidant expression that leads to a significant reduction in iNOS expression and activity [38], thereby reducing the otherwise NO-induced cell death of chondrocytes. In several studies, GS and CS have been evaluated as single agents and in combination for the treatment of OA. In fact, it is a common practice for glucosamine and chondroitin to be used together because they offer a greater beneficial effect than when given alone, although they work through different mechanisms of action. In a clinical trial, GS was found to be as effective or slightly more effective than analgesics [39,40,41,] or NSAIDs [42] for decreasing pain. A trial by [43] did not show a difference between GS and placebo. In another clinical trial,GS was found to be ineffective for reducing pain in patients with severe knee OA, but it was more effective when it was used in combination with CS due to a synergistic effect in patients with moderate to severe pain [44] found that the chondroprotective agents (GS and CS) were effective in improving the function of patients with OA, but the radiological modifications in the knee were statistically insignificant after 12 months of monitoring. However, the findings of Narvy and Vangsness (2010) supported a role of these nutraceuticals in reducing radiographic progression of knee OA. Recently, Kozakcioğlu (2012) revealed that GS and CS both have a suppressor effect on the structural deformities of OA. In a recent study, Erhan et al. (2012) showed that topical glucosamine treatment combined with physical therapy in patients with knee OA had no superiority over placebo, based on radiological findings (Kellgren– Lawrence score) and joint stiffness index (Western Ontario and McMaster Osteoarthritis, WOMAC score). In all clinical trials, GS, GH, and CS were found to be as safe as placebo [45]. The acute oral LD50 of glucosamine is >8 g/kg in rats and 15 g/kg in mice, which can be considered nontoxic. Oral administration of glucosamine at 2,700 mg/kg for 12 months in animals produced no adverse effects. Oral administration of large doses of glucosamine in animals has no documented effects on glucose metabolism. However, Lafontaine-Lacasse et al. (2011) reported that, at beyond recommended dosages, glucosamine may damage pancreatic cells, thereby possibly increasing the risk of developing diabetes. In a few patients, hepatotoxicity (hepatitis and/or cholestasis) developed following exposure to glucosamine [46] These authors established a temporal relationship between onset of liver injury and glucosamine ingestion. Clinical studies have not identified any significant side effects of CS, which suggests its long-term safety [47]. Recently, the Task Force of the European League against Rheumatism (EULAR) committee also granted CS a level of toxicity of 6 on a 0–100 scale, confirming that CS is one of the safest remedies for OA. Currently, glucosamine and chondroitin are not recommended by Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) and the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) [48]. In dogs with moderate OA, daily administration of GH (2,000 mg) and CS (1,600 mg) for a period of 120–150 days significantly reduced pain associated with OA [49]. Gupta et al. (2009) also reported significant reduction of pain in horses with moderate OA receiving GH (5.4 g) and CS (1.8 g) daily for a period of 150 days. In both dogs and horses, GH and CS produced no side effects and were well-tolerated. Previously, in a number of in vivo and in vitro studies, GS and CS have been found to be very effective against OA in animal models [50]. These studies suggested that the combination of GS and CS appears to be more effective in preventing or treating OA in animals than either product alone. A Golden Retriever developed polyuria and polydipsia when treated with 1,000 mg of glucosamine/day [51]. The polyuria and polydipsia resolved after the glucosamine dose was lowered to 500 mg/day. In an experimental study, glucosamine was reported to cause hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and a diabetic-like state in rats [52]. Beriault et al. did not confirm hyperglycemia and insulin resistance with glucosamine, but it promoted endoplasmic reticulum stress, hepatic steatosis, and accelerated atherogenesis in mice. 3. Methylsylfonylmethane (MSM) Methylsylfonylmethane (MSM), also known as methyl sulfonate or dimethyl sulfone, is a naturally occurring organosulfur compound and a putative methyl donor. MSM is the first oxidized metabolite of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). It occurs naturally in some plants and it is added in small amounts to many foods and beverages as a dietary supplement. Currently, MSM is sold via 52 different products as a single agent in capsule, caplet, lotion, and cream forms, and in more than 30 different products in combination with other dietary supplements. MSM is sold as a dietary supplement and marketed with a variety of claims often in combination with glucosamine and/or chondroitin for helping to treat or prevent OA. However, there is a paucity of scientific evidence to support the use of MSM. It has been suggested that the benefits claimed for MSM far exceed the number of scientific studies. In October 2000, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned one MSM promoter, Karl Loren, to cease and desist from making therapeutic claims for MSM. Due to its sulfur content, MSM is used by the body to maintain normal connective tissue. MSM may have anti-inflammatory activity, chemopreventive property, prostacyclin (PGI2) synthesis inhibition, antiatherosclerotic action, salutary effect on eicosanoid metabolism, and free radical scavenging activity [53,54]. MSM is an analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and blood vessel dilator. In OA, MSM works by reducing inflammation and blocking the pain response in nerve fibers. However, like any other nutraceutical, MSM does not cure OA. MSM serves the same purpose as the NSAIDs, but MSM has none of the negative outcomes associated with NSAIDs. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial,[54] reported that compared to placebo, 3 g of MSM twice per day (6 g/day total) for 12 weeks produced significant decreases in WOMAC pain and physical function impairment (P < 0.041 and P < 0.045, respectively). No notable changes were found in WOMAC stiffness and aggregated total symptoms scores. MSM ameliorated symptoms of pain and improved physical function during the intervention without major adverse events. In another clinical trial, patients with OA of the knee taking MSM daily (1.125 g three times) for 12 weeks showed a decrease in pain and improvement in physical function [55]. In a 12-week trial,[56] treated patients with knee OA with 1.5 g MSM (500 mg three times per day), 1.5 g glucosamine sulfate (GS), MSM plus GS, or placebo for 12 weeks. Significant decreases in the Lequesne Index were reported with MSM, GS, and their combination (P < 0.05). The authors reported a 33% decrease in pain in the MSM group; joint mobility, swelling, global evaluation, and walking time were also improved. The MSM dosage used by [56] was lower than the recommended dosage of MSM for clinical practice. In all of these studies, the improvements were small; therefore, further studies are warranted to establish their clinical significance. For further details on the effects of MSM and DMSO in OA, readers are referred to [57]. Acute and subchronic toxicity studies in rats using a single dose of 2 g/kg and a daily dose of 1.5 g/kg MSM for 90 days showed no adverse events, organ pathology, or mortality [58]. These doses of MSM are considered five times to seven times the maximum dose used in humans [54]. There are no clinical studies on adverse effects, changes in blood chemistry, safety monitoring data, or possible subclinical neurotoxicity symptoms. 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