The Effects of Hyaluronic Acid and Glucosamine on the Migration and Proliferation of Tenocytes

Abstract

Tendinopathy or tendon rupture is a common disease. Studies have showed that hyaluronic acid and glucosamine benefit the process of tendon repair. Tendon healing requires the migration of tenocytes to the repair site, followed by the proliferation and synthesis of the extracellular matrix. However, the effects of hyaluronic acid and glucosamine on tenocytes remain to be explored. Here, we treated tenocytes from rat Achilles tendons with hyaluronic acid or glucosamine. The ability of tenocytes to migrate and proliferate was assessed by transwell filter migration assay and MTT (3-[4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5- diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay, respectively. Results from transwell filter migration assays showed that hyaluronic acid has no significant effect on tenocyte migration, whereas glucosamine can inhibit tenocyte migration. The results of MTT assays revealed that tenocyte proliferation decreases after hyaluronic acid or glucosamine treatment. In conclusion, hyaluronic acid and glucosamine inhibit tenocyte proliferation. Moreover, glucosamine inhibits tenocyte migration. The in vivo effect of hyaluronic acid and glucosamine on tendon healing needs to be further assessed.