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