The effects of hyaluronic acid of different molecular weights in an experimental model of osteoarthritis in rabbits

Intra-articular therapy in hip osteoarthritis

Article specifications

This review study was published in 2018 in Journal of Rev Bras Ortop. (IF 2014:1.60) by Brazilian specialists. The aim of this study was to analyze, from the immunohistochemical perspective, the effects of hyaluronic acid of different molecular weights in an experimental model of osteoarthritis in rabbits. Forty-four male California rabbits were randomly assigned to three different groups (PR, S, and P) and submitted to the resection of the anterior cruciate ligament of the right knee. Three weeks after the surgical procedure, three intra-articular weekly injections were carried out with low-molecular-weight native hyaluronic acid (Hyalgan®) to PR group, high molecular weight branched chain hyaluronic acid (Synvisc®) to group S, and saline solution 0.9% to group P. The chondroprotective effect of the hyaluronic acids used in the study was demonstrated when compared to the control group.

 

Result

The injection of saline solution demonstrated signs of OA development, while adding native hyaluronic acid of low molecular weight (Hyalgan®) and hyaluronic acid of high molecular weight (Synvisc®) protected the articular cartilage in this model of OA.