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Functions of hyaluronan

Article Abstract:

Hyaluronan is the viscous component of synovial fluid, and may control the formation of blood vessels and eliminate debris from the joint. Synovial fluid is the fluid within a joint, surrounded by a membrane of synovium which lines the joint. Synovial fluid turnover of hyaluronan is faster in arthritic joints than in normal joints. The increased rate of turnover may degrade hyaluronan's ability to lubricate the joint and provide structure to the synovium. Hyaluronan may prevent rapid fluid turnover or escape, and filter out large particles in healthy joints. The pericellular zone of hyaluronan prevents synovial cells from joining attacking cells, such as those of viruses and bacteria.

Hyaluronic acid

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Relations between synovial fluid and serum concentrations of osteocalcin and other markers of joint tissue turnover in the knee joint compared with peripheral blood

Article Abstract:

A marker of bone turnover called osteocalcin (OC) may be produced in the circulating blood rather than locally in the joint. Osteocalcin levels were measured in blood and synovial fluid samples of 15 patients with osteoarthritis (OA), 16 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and 10 healthy volunteers. Other markers of synovial inflammation and cartilage destruction were also measured. OC levels were higher in the blood samples than synovial samples in all three groups. Higher blood OC levels corresponded with higher synovial OC and hyaluronate levels.

Bones, Knee, Blood, Blood chemical analysis

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