Hyaluronic acid of high molecular weight inhibits proliferation and induces cell death in U937 macrophage cells.
Hyaluronic acid (HA), a major glycosaminoglycan component of the extracellular matrix, has regulatory influences on cells and cellular activities. To explore the effects of a high concentration (1 mg/mL) of high molecular weight HA (500-730 kD) on U937 macrophage growth dynamics, three factors that influence overall cellular growth, namely proliferation, apoptosis, and cell death, were examined. Cells were cultured with HA and were analyzed by flow cytometry every 24 hours during a 168-hour period for proliferation and the presence of apoptotic and dead cells. These analyses demonstrated that HA inhibits U937 macrophage proliferation in a time-dependent manner. Through the first 72 hours, cells exhibited slowed proliferation. However, no evidence of cell division arrest or reduced cell viability was observed. Thereafter, HA continued to diminish proliferation, but induced apoptosis. This data is consistent with regulatory influences secondary to HA binding to CD44 and/or RHAMM cell surface receptors, both of which were shown to be expressed on U937 macrophages. This study demonstrates that a high concentration of high molecular weight HA greatly inhibits macrophage population growth by the dual actions of impeding cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis.
Sheehan
Kyle M
KM
Calvin College, Department of Biology, 3201 Burton Street, SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546, USA.
DeLott
Lindsey B
LB
West
Richard A
RA
Bonnema
Joy D
JD
DeHeer
David H
DH
D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects*; D001583:Benzoxazoles; D049109:Cell Proliferation / Q000187:drug effects*; D016326:Extracellular Matrix Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D006801:Humans; D018960:Hyaluronan Receptors / Q000378:metabolism; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011806:Quinolinium Compounds; D013997:Time Factors; D020298:U937 Cells
D001583:Benzoxazoles; D016326:Extracellular Matrix Proteins; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D018960:Hyaluronan Receptors; D011806:Quinolinium Compounds; C098946:hyaluronan-mediated motility receptor; C089813:YO-PRO 1; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid