Effect of different molecular weight Hyaluronans on osteoarthritis-related factors in fibroblast-like synoviocytes from patients with tibia plateau fracture

Background: Preventing fractured joint from arthritic change remains a challenge, especially in weight-bearing joints. Hyaluronan (HA) has been proved to effectively relieve pain and improve function in chronic osteoarthritis (OA) joint. However, controversies still exist in its potential use in fractured joints and whether this effect is molecular weight dependent. We analyzed and compared the effects of two different molecular weight HAs on six OA-related factors expression in fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) from twelve patients with tibia plateau fracture. Methods: The interleukin(IL)1-beta stimulated or unstimulated FLS were cultivated with or without the treatment of two different molecular weight HAs. The production of these factors was quantified by using commercial available sandwich Enzyme-Linked Immuno-Sorbent Assay. Results: Our results reveal that HA with high molecular weight (HMW) possess a better effect on down-regulating the pro-inflammatory factors, such as IL1-beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. On the other hands, HA with low molecular weight (LMW) has a greater efficacy on up-regulating the anti-catabolic factors, such as tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 and TIMP-2 and on suppressing the catabolic enzyme, matrix metalloproteinase-3, which are thought to be more chondro-protective. Conclusions: In fractured joints, we consider that HMW HA may have a better effect on anti-inflammation; while, LMW HA may possess a superior efficacy on chondro-protection.