title: Beneficial actions of hyaluronan (HA) on arthritic joints: effects of molecular weight of HA on elasticity of cartilage matrix.
abstract: Hyaluronan (HA) has viscoelastic, anti-inflammatory and protective actions in joint tissues, and is being widely used for treatment of OA and RA patients. However, the mechanisms underlying the pharmacological action of HA on OA and RA have not been fully understood. In this article, we review the molecular weight-dependent, anti-inflammatory actions of HA preparations - produced in Japan - in joint tissues, and show that the molecular weight of HA, but not its concentration, is crucial for maintenance of cartilage elasticity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dental and Medical Biochemistry, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan. ykato@hiroshima-u.ac.jp
authors.forename: Yukio
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Kato
authors.forename: Shigeo
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Nakamura
authors.forename: Masahiro
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nishimura
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001168:Arthritis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000503:physiopathology; D004548:Elasticity / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008970:Molecular Weight; D014783:Viscosity / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D006820:Hyaluronic Acid