Hyaluronic acid (hyaluronate): its physiological role and relevance to disease.

概要

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Hyaluronan (HA) was discovered over 60 years ago, but its metabolism and cellular interactions have only recently received detailed attention. HA is synthesized in the plasma membrane by addition of monosaccharides to the reducing terminal.<BR>In tissues, it occurs bound to plasma membranes, aggregated with other macromolecules, or as free polysaccharide. Tissue HA enters the bloodstream in significant amounts through the lymph and is rapidly absorbed via a receptor into liver endothelial cells, where degradation follows. HA levels in serum are normally 10-100 ug/l, but can be elevated with aging especially over 70 years old, and in liver cirrhosis, rheumatoid arthritis and progressive systemic sclerosis, due either to impaired hepatic uptake or increased production.<BR>Studies on urine, skin diseases, cancers and progeroid syndromes have identified other causes of deranged HA.metabolism. Recent biochemical and clinical analyses have indicated the anti-inflammatory activity of HA in several areas including rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis by controlling cell proliferation, activation and chemotaxis.
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