Affiliations: Department of Dental and Medical Biochemistry, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan | Department of Periodontal Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan | Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Yukio Kato, Department of Dental and Medical Biochemistry, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan. Tel.: +81 82 257 5628; Fax: +81 82 257 5629; E-mail: ykato@hiroshima-u.ac.jp.
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.
