title: Hyaluronan in Medical Practice.
abstract: Hyaluronan is the major extracellular matrix glycosaminoglycan polymer present in vertebrate tissues, with a molar mass that can reach several megaDaltons. It is particularly prominent in the matrix of tissues undergoing rapid turnover, in fetal tissues, and wherever regeneration and repair are occurring. Hyaluronan has highly varied biological functions often dependent on molar mass, however they are highly dependent on source of hyaluronan, its purity and nature of contaminants. Hyaluronan of highmolar- mass is known for its anti-angiogenic, anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties, unlike hyaluronan of low-molar-mass that has the opposite effects. Hyaluronan also has a broad range of clinical applications, such as intra-articular injection, in ophthalmology, otolaryngology, wound healing, and commercially in the cosmetic industry, as well as in drug delivery systems. Currently, polymers of hyaluronan are modified in order to improve their properties, including bioavailability and resistance to degradation. Because of greatly increased interest currently in hyaluronan, the multiple functions of the polymer are presented here, including medicine and industry, as well as recent progress in the formulation of hyaluronan-based materials.
authors.forename: Katarína
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Valachová
authors.affiliation: Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena & Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 213/D, 41100 Modena, Italy.. volpi@unimo.it.
authors.forename: Nicola
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Volpi
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Stern
authors.forename: Ladislav
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Soltes
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003358:Cosmetics; D004337:Drug Carriers / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000188:drug therapy; D023822:Tissue Engineering; D055682:Viscoelastic Substances / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D055676:Viscosupplementation; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D003358:Cosmetics; D004337:Drug Carriers; D055682:Viscoelastic Substances; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid