antioxidants
Nutrients that slow down the process of oxidation. During normal digestion,
free radicals — believed to damage cells in the body, are released
into the body through the oxidation of foods. Antioxidants inhibit oxidation
and neutralize free radicals. They are thought to be helpful in reducing
allergies, heart disease, cancer and aging effects.
arthrosis
An arthrosis is a joint, an area where two bones are attached for the purpose
of motion of body parts. An arthrosis (joint) is usually formed of fibrous
connective tissue and cartilage. Also, another term for osteoarthritis.
atherosclerosis
Commonly called “hardening of the arteries,” it is the result
of an accumulation of fat deposits containing cholesterol on the walls
of blood vessels. These deposits decrease or block blood flow and can lead
to heart attacks.
biomarkers
Physical signs or biological substances that indicate changes in bone or
cartilage. Doctors believe they may one day be able to use biomarkers
for diagnosing osteoarthritis before it causes noticeable joint damage
and for monitoring the progression of the disease and its responsiveness
to treatment.
body mass ratio (BMR)
Weight in pounds divided by height in inches squared, then multiplied by
703. Among middle-aged adults, the BMR is closely linked to fat in the
body. The risk of diabetes, high blood pressure or coronary disease grows
in parallel with the BMR. In this ratio, a BMR of 25 to 29.9 is considered
overweight, and a BMR of more than 30 is considered obese.
cartilage
A hard but slippery coating on the end of each bone. The breakdown of joint
cartilage is the primary feature of osteoarthritis.
chitin
Structural organic substance similar to cellulose, found in shellfish and
insect dermal sheaths and the membrane of some mushrooms.
chitin
Structural organic substance similar to cellulose, found in shellfish and
insect dermal sheaths and the membrane of some mushrooms.
chitosan
Chitosan, or chitosane, represents a chitin by-product family, main component
of the shellfish exoskeleton (shrimp, crab, crayfish, etc.)
chondrocytes
Components of cartilage. Chondrocytes are cells that produce cartilage,
are found throughout cartilage, and help it stay healthy as it grows. Sometimes,
however, they release certain enzymes that destroy collagen and other proteins.
collagen
A family of fibrous proteins that are components of cartilage. Collagens
are the building blocks of skin, tendon, bone, and other connective tissues.
corticosteroids
Powerful anti-inflammatory hormones made naturally in the body or man made
for use as medicine. Corticosteroids may be injected into the affected
joints to temporarily reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
COX-2 inhibitors
A relatively new class of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
that are formulated to relieve pain and inflammation.
diabetes
A metabolic disorder in which the body does not produce or properly use
insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches
and other foods into energy needed for daily life.
drug interaction
Occurs when two or more drugs are taken simultaneously or successively,
and the pharmacological activity of one is modified by the other(s).
functional
foods
Fresh or processed foods that contain significant levels of biologically
active components providing health benefits beyond basic nutrition.
glucosamine
An amino sugar and a prominent precursor in the biochemical synthesis of
glycosylated proteins and lipids. Glucosamine is found as a major component
of the shells of crustaceans and other arthropods, in fungi and many
higher organisms and is one of the most abundant monosaccharides. It
is produced commercially by the hydrolysis of crustacean shells.
glycemia
The concentration of glucose in the blood. It is usually expressed in milligrams
per deciliter (mg/dl) in the US and other countries. Glycemic index: a
numerical index given to a carbohydrate-rich food that is based on the
average increase in blood glucose levels occurring after the food is eaten.
hyaluronic acid
A substance that gives healthy joint fluid its viscous (slippery) property
and that may be reduced in people with osteoarthritis. For some people
with osteoarthritis of the knee, replacing hyaluronic acid with injections
of agents referred to as viscosupplements is useful for increasing lubrication,
reducing pain, and improving function.
joint
A part or place where two bones are joined, usually so that they can move.
joint
capsule
A tough membrane sac that holds the bones and other joint parts together.
ligaments
Tough bands of connective tissue that attach bones to each other, providing
stability.
metabolism
The process of changing energy sources into energy. For examples, food
proteins are metabolized into energy or heat to be used or absorbed by
the body.
natural health supplements
Dietary supplements composed of essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals
and proteins, herbs and similar nutritional substances, in a form more
concentrated than normally found in conventional food products.
nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
A class of medications available over the counter or with a prescription
that ease pain and inflammation. Commonly used NSAIDs include ibuprofen
(Advil, Motrin).
nutraceuticals
Food, or the parts of food, that provide medical or healthy benefits, including
the prevention and treatment of disease. The nutraceutical may be refined
before being incorporated into a capsule or tablet that is then consumed
as a dietary supplement.
nutrients
Any organic or inorganic element or combination contained in food that
can be used directly by the human organism to be assimilated in the cells
without being previously transformed by digestion. Nutrients are generally
classified as: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, vitamins, mineral salts,
etc.
osteoarthritis
The most common form of arthritis. It is characterized by the breakdown
of joint cartilage, leading to pain, stiffness, and disability.
proteoglycans
Components of cartilage. Made up of proteins and sugars, strands of proteoglycans
interweave with collagens and form a mesh-like tissue. This allows cartilage
to flex and absorb physical shock.
rheumatoid arthritis
A form of arthritis in which the immune system attacks the tissues of the
joints, leading to pain, inflammation, and eventually joint damage and
malformation. It typically begins at a younger age than osteoarthritis
does, causes swelling and redness in joints, and may make people feel sick,
tired, and uncommonly feverish. Rheumatoid arthritis may also affect skin
tissue, the lungs, the eyes, or the blood vessels.
safety / innocuousness
Quality of what is harmless, inoffensive, safe. The word “innocuousness” is
often used to define drugs presenting no risk whatsoever.
synovium
A thin membrane inside the joint capsule that secretes synovial fluid.
synovial
fluid
A fluid secreted by the synovium that lubricates the joint and keeps the
cartilage smooth and healthy.
undesirable side effects
These can be defined as the unexpected effect of a drug, unrelated to its
therapeutic effect, and which is embarrassing, dangerous, or limits its
use.
X-ray
A procedure in which low-level radiation is passed through the body to
produce a picture called a radiograph. X rays of joints affected by osteoarthritis
can show such things as cartilage loss, bone damage, and bone spurs.
