International Journal of General Medicine (Apr 2009)

Anti-inflammatory effects of hyaluronan in arthritis therapy: Not just for viscosity

  • Kayo Masuko,
  • Minako Murata,
  • Kazuo Yudoh,
  • Tomohiro Kato,
  • et al.

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 2009, no. default
pp. 77 – 81

Abstract

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Kayo Masuko1, Minako Murata2, Kazuo Yudoh2, Tomohiro Kato1, Hiroshi Nakamura31Department of Biochemistry; 2Institute of Medical Science, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa, Japan; 3Department of Joint Disease and Rheumatism, Nippon Medical School, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, JapanAbstract: Hyaluronic acid (HA) has been widely used for viscosupplementation of diseased or aged articular joints. However, recent investigations have revealed the active anti-inflammatory or chondroprotective effect of HA, suggesting its potential role in attenuation of joint damage. In particular, interactions between HA and other inflammatory mediators are attracting interest. This review summarizes several aspects of recent investigations of the anti-inflammatory effects of HA in arthritis.Keywords: hyaluronan, inflammation, chondroprotection