Hyaluronic acid

synonym

• Chndroprotectives
• Suplasyn
• Synvisc
• GoOn

English: hyaluronic acid

Group membership

Hyaluronic acid belongs to the group of so-called glycosaminoclycans or mucopolysaccharides, which are the basis of many biological structures in the organism.

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Chemical structure

Like all glycosaminoclycans, hyaluronic acid is made up of repeating sugar units (disaccharides). The connection between the sugars is characteristic of hyaluronic acid. The link is therefore called beta 1-4 glycosidic. The exact chemical compound is called: beta 1-4 glycosidically linked glucoronyl beta 1-3 N-acetylgalactosamine dissacharide.
Up to 100,000 of this building block can be lined up one behind the other and thus form the classic hyaluronic acid compound.
If the molecule is hydrated (that is, it comes into contact with water) it expands and takes up up to 10,000 times more space than in its basic state. This expansion is visible through a gel-like appearance that this substance takes (hyaluronic acid).
So hyaluronic acid is a perfect water binder!

Production site for natural hyaluronic acid

This section is only for those interested in chemistry! Otherwise skip directly.

The main production site of hyaluronic acid are the fibroblasts of human tissues.
Fibroblasts are connective tissue cells that are mainly found in the connective tissue of animal organisms. Fibroblasts look elongated under the microscope, forming long processes that are very similar to a nerve cell. But oval and partially oval fibroblasts can also be observed. The individual fibroblasts are connected to one another or establish a connection via their long processes. They have a light, oval nucleus.
Unlike other glycosaminoglycans, hyaluronic acid is not produced on the so-called rough endoplasmic reticulum, which is particularly well developed in fibroblasts, but rather by independent membrane proteins.
In addition to the glycosaminoglycans, procollagen, collagenase and acidic mucupolysaccharides are also produced to a considerable extent in the fibroblasts. All of these substances are used to build connective tissue as well as biological membranes and coverings. Fibroblasts are mobile but remain in one place. As they mature, they become what are known as fibrocytes. In this state they become immobile. Their production is stimulated by inflammation. This releases cytokines that promote the maturation of the fibroblasts and at the same time curb the inflammatory reaction in the corresponding area (hyaluronic acid).

Occurrence

Particularly large proportions of Hyaluronic acid can be found especially in the Articular cartilage, in the Vitreous of Eye, in many tissues of the body that primarily have a stabilizing function.
Furthermore, hyaluronic acid is found in areas of the body where high pressure is built up and where it is important to achieve appropriate cushioning. For this reason, high levels of hyaluronic acid are found in the Band washers of the Spine.

tasks

The Functions of hyaluronic acid are varied. Due to the chemical structure, the hyaluronic acid can increase in size and take up a space that is approx. 10,000 times the size of the original space.
The expansion becomes visible through a gel-like appearance, which the hyaluronic acid in this case takes. This gel-like form also has a sliding and lubricating property. For this reason, hyaluronic acid is mainly used for Lubricate the joints. For this reason, it can be found in most joints in the animal organism. The gel-like structure also means that it is also in the Vitreous of the eye is found in large quantities and thus prevents the eye loses its structure, on the other hand allows enough light rays through its glass optics and the Visual process guaranteed. Depending on the extent to which the hyaluronic acid is present, in addition to a soft, gelatinous state, a rather tough, hard rubber-like condition can be achieved, which has the property that great pressure is absorbed.
For this reason, large amounts of hyaluronic acid can be found in the Intervertebral discs of the spinethat have to withstand the highest pressures of the body every day and cushion them accordingly. Due to the high ability of water binding, it acts as a natural shock absorber.
The structure of hyaluronic acid also has a shaping and directional property, i.e. Hyaluronic acid is found in most parts of the body where it is important to maintain a certain hold or shape.Ultimately, hyaluronic acid is present in most human cells and ensures the structure and stability of the cell wall.

Non-orthopedic areas of application

Ophthalmology
In the Ophthalmology you make use of the sluggish flow properties of hyaluronic acid. As cleaning supplies Hyaluronic acid comes as a carrier and cleaning substance for contact lenses for use.
Furthermore, hyaluronic acid-containing preparations are included Operations on the eye related, in which the anterior chamber of the eye is to be stabilized or a stability of the vitreous body located inside the eye is to be achieved.
This is for example with the Retinal detachment the case in which the vitreous humor is drained from the inside of the eye and refilled with an oily mixture (the retina rests against the fundus again as a result of the filling).
Also Tear substitutes consist largely of hyaluronic acid. These drugs are always used when the eye is inadequate Tear fluid can produce itself and so the surface of the eye begins to dry out. Here, too, the long-lasting lubricity of hyaluronic acid is used.

urology
Mostly also tested in studies, preparations containing hyaluronic acid are used in urology. At Stress or urge incontinence operational attempts are made urethra of the patient. It is hoped that the viscosity of hyaluronic acid will prevent the urethra from widening and narrow the lumen. Long-term successes of this method are still pending. It will be many years before extensive use in urology is possible.

Plastic surgery
In the Cosmetic and reconstructive surgery Hyaluronic acid is used wherever body regions need to be replenished and autologous fat cannot be used. Especially with Splash on the lips and the chest Hyaluron-containing preparations are used. But also for Smooth the skin and from wrinkles Hyaluronic acid-containing substances are injected in repeated sessions.
Here, too, as in orthopedics, despite the routine there is a risk of infection, reddening of the injection site as well allergic reaction. Both in the Orthopedics as well as in urology or in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, treatment with hyaluronic acid counts in the vast majority of cases no cash benefit and must be taken over by the patient himself. In plastic surgery, this can cost a few hundred to a thousand euros. Depending on the number of injections administered, a few hundred euros in orthopedics and several thousand euros in urology for surgical use.