title: Effects of high molecular weight hyaluronic acid on induced arthritis of the temporomandibular joint in rats.
abstract: High molecular weight hyaluronic acid (HMWHA) has been used to treat temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, but controversial results have been described. This study aimed to characterize the morphological and biochemical actions of HMWHA on induced arthritis of the TMJ. Twenty-four male Wistar rats were used, and arthritis of the TMJ was induced through an intra-articular injection of Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA) (50 μl). One week after arthritis induction, the animals were treated with HMWHA (once per week for three weeks). Histological analyses were performed using sections stained with hematoxylin-eosin, toluidine blue and Picrosirius. Were also performed histomorphometric analysis and birefringence of collagenous fibers (polarization microscopy). Biochemical analyses of TMJ tissues were carried out through measurements of sulfated glycosaminoglycans and zymography for evaluation of metalloproteinase-2 and -9 (MMP-2 and -9). Data were analyzed using paired t-test and unpaired t-test, with a 5% significance level. HMWHA reduced histologic changes and thickness of the articular disc, led to a greater arrangement of collagenous fibers, lower concentration of sulfated glycosaminoglycans and lower activity in all isoforms of MMP-2 and -9 in TMJs with induced arthritis. These findings suggest that HMWHA may exert a protective effect on the TMJ.
authors.affiliation: Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas-UNICAMP, Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil. Electronic address: lemos.george@yahoo.com.br.
authors.forename: George Azevedo
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Lemos
authors.affiliation: Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas-UNICAMP, Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil. Electronic address: renato_lebrown@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: Renato
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Rissi
authors.affiliation: Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas-UNICAMP, Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil. Electronic address: pimentel@unicamp.br.
authors.forename: Edson Rosa
authors.initials: ER
authors.lastname: Pimentel
authors.affiliation: Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas-UNICAMP, Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil. Electronic address: epaloma@unicamp.br.
authors.forename: Evanisi Teresa
authors.initials: ET
authors.lastname: Palomari
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001168:Arthritis / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005620:Freund's Adjuvant / Q000009:adverse effects; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007270:Injections, Intra-Articular; D008297:Male; D008970:Molecular Weight; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D013704:Temporomandibular Joint / Q000187:drug effects*; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D006820:Hyaluronic Acid; D005620:Freund's Adjuvant
keywords: Arthritis; Hyaluronic acid; Temporomandibular joint disorders