Article

Hyaluronic acid, a natural component in Halevox™ HA products

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is one of the major constituent of articular cartilage extracellular matrix and synovial fluid¹. HA is a biopolysacharide – it consists of a number of sugar molecules bonded together into a long chain¹.

HA is a crucial structural component of the synovial joint as it acts as a lubricant, shock absorber, filler, and metabolic agent2. OA in animal development diminishes the lubricating and shock absorption abilities of synovial fluid mainly by degradation of naturally produced HA³.

Viscosupplementation, so intra-articular injection of HA, is a scientifically and clinically approved practice for reducing joint pain in animals , improving the functional condition of OA-affected joint, protecting cartilage, and finally delaying progression of the disease⁴.

Intra-articular mechanism of action

HA restores viscoelastic properties of OA-affected synovial fluid thus improving lubrication
HA induces synthesis of natural hyaluronic acid thus contributing to recovery of joint homeostasis¹
HA binds to special receptors – CD44 on cartilage and synovial cells to support matrix production² and inhibit inflammation
HA affects OA-related nerve oversensitivity and reduces hyperalgesia³
HA diminishes inflammatory processes by reduction of proinflammatory mediators’ production and action⁴

Optimal chains length

Only high molecular weight HA is fully biologically functional

Only optimally high molecular weight HA possesses the ability to protect against articular cartilage damage by restoring joint lubrication and joint homeostasis¹
Only optimally high molecular weight HA can reduce OA-related pain⁵
Only HA with optimally high molecular weight HA can reduce OA-related inflammation processes⁶
Only optimally high molecular weight HA can protect articular cartilage from OA-related degenerative changes and show clinical benefits⁷

References

1. Millward IR. (2017). Multimodal Management of Canine Osteoarthritis, Second Edition. N Z Vet J., 65(4), 224.
2. Johnston SA. (1997). Osteoarthritis: Joint anatomy, physiology, and pathobiology. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 27(4), 699-723.
3. McCarthy G, et al. (2007). Randomized double-blind, positive-controlled trial of two glucosamine–chondroitin sulfate compounds in osteoarthritis of the knee. Arthritis & Rheumatology, 58(1), 16-34.
4. Brien S, Prescott P, Coghlan B, Bashir N, Lewith G. (2008). Systematic review of the nutritional supplements for the treatment of osteoarthritis. Rheumatology International, 28(8), 681-698.
5. Moreland LW. (2003). Intra-articular hyaluronan (hyaluronic acid) and hylans for the treatment of osteoarthritis: mechanisms of action. Arthritis Research & Therapy, 5(2), 54-67.