Administration Of Hyaluronic Acid Research Articles

Induction of Human Wharton's Jelly of Umbilical Cord Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells to Be Chondrocytes and Transplantation in Guinea Pig Model with Spontaneous Osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease commonly found in elderly people and obese patients. Currently, OA treatments are determined based on their condition severity and a medical professional's advice. The aim of this study was to differentiate human Wharton's jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hWJ-MSCs) into chondrocytes for transplantation in OA-suffering guinea pigs. hWJ-MSCs were isolated using the explant culture method, and then, their proliferation, phenotypes, and differentiation ability were evaluated. Subsequently, hWJ-MSCs-derived chondrocytes were induced and characterized based on immunofluorescent staining, qPCR, and immunoblotting techniques. Then, early-OA-suffering guinea pigs were injected with hyaluronic acid (HA) containing either MSCs or 14-day-old hWJ-MSCs-derived chondrocytes. Results showed that hWJ-MSCs-derived chondrocytes expressed specific markers of chondrocytes including Aggrecan, type II collagen, and type X collagen proteins and β-catenin, Sox9, Runx2, Col2a1, Col10a1, and ACAN gene expression markers. Administration of HA plus hWJ-MSCs-derived chondrocytes (HA-CHON) produced a better recovery rate of degenerative cartilages than HA plus MSCs or only HA. Histological assessments demonstrated no significant difference in Mankin's scores of recovered cartilages between HA-CHON-treated guinea pigs and normal articular cartilage guinea pigs. Transplantation of hWJ-MSCs-derived chondrocytes was more effective than undifferentiated hWJ-MSCs or hyaluronic acid for OA treatment in guinea pigs. This study provides a promising treatment to be used in early OA patients to promote recovery and prevent disease progression to severe osteoarthritis.

High-Molecular-Weight Hyaluronic Acid Can Be Used as a Food Additive to Improve the Symptoms of Persistent Inflammation, Immunosuppression and Catabolism Syndrome (PICS).

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a new functional food additive which has the potential to ameliorate persistent inflammation, immunosuppression and catabolism syndrome (PICS), but the biological effects of HA with various molecular weights differ dramatically. To systematically investigate the efficacy of HA in altering PICS symptoms, medium-molecular-weight (MMW) HA was specifically selected to test its intervention effect on a PICS mouse model induced by CLP through oral administration, with high-molecular-weight (HMW) and low-molecular-weight (LMW) HA also participating in the experimental validation process. The results of pathological observations and gut flora showed that MMW HA rapidly alleviated lung lesions and intestinal structural changes in PICS mice in the short term. However, although long-term MMW HA administration significantly reduced the proportions of harmful bacteria in gut flora, inflammatory responses in the intestines and lungs of PICS mice were significantly higher in the MMW HA group than in the HMW HA and LMW HA groups. The use of HMW HA not only rapidly reduced the mortality rate of PICS mice but also improved their grip strength and the recovery of spleen and thymus indices. Furthermore, it consistently promoted the recovery of lung and intestinal tissues in PICS mice, and it also assisted in the sustained restoration of their gut microbiota. These effects were superior to those of LMW HA and MMW HA. The experimental results indicate that HMW weight HA has the greatest potential to be an adjunct in alleviating PICS as a food additive, while the safety of other HAs requires further attention.

Сравнение эффективности внутрисуставного введения препаратов гиалуроновой кислоты с разной кратностью введения после артроскопических операций на коленном суставе

This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of various hyaluronic acid (HA) preparations in patients with knee joint injuries in the postoperative period after knee arthroscopy. Ninety patients with grade I–II gonarthrosis and concomitant meniscus damage who underwent knee arthroscopy were included in the study. Patients were divided into three groups of 30 patients: in the 1st group no HA preparations were administered, in the 2nd group threefold administration of HA with the concentration of 1.6% was performed with the volume of 2 ml, in the 3rd group a single injection of HA with the concentration of 2.2% mixed with mannitol was performed with the total volume of 5 ml. After 1, 6 and 12 months, the dynamics of the mean score on the visual analog scale (VAS) of pain, WOMAC index and Leken's algo-functional index were evaluated. According to the results of observation after 6 and 12 months, the most pronounced dynamics of pain syndrome intensity reduction was observed in groups 2 and 3, where HA preparations were administered after knee arthroscopy. No statistically significant differences in the efficacy of the compared HA preparations were found. According to the results of observation after 6 and 12 months, the most pronounced dynamics of pain syndrome intensity reduction was observed in groups 2 and 3, where HA preparations were used after knee arthroscopy. No statistically significant differences in the efficacy of the compared HA preparations were revealed. HA administration after arthroscopic lavage causes persistent regression of pain syndrome and improvement of functional status of the knee joint.

Effects of intra-articular administration of hyaluronic acid or platelet-rich plasma as a complementary treatment to arthroscopy in horses with osteochondritis dissecans

Although arthroscopy is the treatment of choice for horses with osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), it is not yet known whether intra-articular therapies in the postoperative period can bring any benefit to the recovery of these animals. This study evaluated the effects of the intra-articular application of platelet-rich plasma (PRP), hyaluronic acid (HA) or lactated Ringer's solution (LR) in horses with OCD undergoing arthroscopy. Eighteen male and female Brazilian Sport horses aged between 2 and 6 years were evaluated. All animals presented OCD fragments in the middle crest of the tibia. Ten days after surgery, animals were randomly distributed into three groups and received intra-articular application of PRP (n = 6), HA (n = 6), or LR (control group, n = 6). Clinical, radiographic, ultrasound and synovial fluid evaluations were performed on the day of surgery and after 10, 30 and 60 days. An increase in the thickness of the joint capsule was observed 30 days after surgery in the three groups evaluated. In the control group, there was significant improvement in the flexion test 30 and 60 days after surgery, and in the PRP group, there was worsening of this parameter in the same evaluations. In the control group, there was a reduction in the degree of synovial effusion, and in the PRP and HA groups, there was increased effusion. There was a significant increase in the number of leukocytes in the HA group. Intra-articular use of PRP or HA ten days after arthroscopy did not promote positive effects on the recovery of horses with OCD.

Hyaluronic acid enhances cell migration, viability, and mineralized tissue-specific genes in cementoblasts.

It has been repeatedly demonstrated that cementum formation is a crucial step in periodontal regeneration. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is an important component of the extracellular matrix which regulates cells functions and cell-cell communication. Hyaluronic acid/derivatives have been used in regenerative periodontal therapy, but the cellular effects of HA are still unknown. To investigate the effects of HA on cementoblast functions, cell viability, migration, mineralization, differentiation, and mineralized tissue-associated genes and cementoblast-specific markers of the cementoblasts were tested. Cementoblasts (OCCM-30) were treated with various dilutions (0, 1:2, 1:4, 1:8, 1:16, 1:32, 1:64, 1:128) of HA and examined for cell viability, migration, mineralization, and gene expressions. The mRNA expressions of osteocalcin (OCN), runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), bone sialoprotein (BSP), collagen type I (COL-I), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), cementum protein-1 (CEMP-1), cementum attachment protein (CAP), and small mothers against decapentaplegic (Smad) -1, 2, 3, 6, 7, β-catenin (Ctnnb1) were performed with real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Total RNA was isolated on days 3 and 8, and cell viability was determined using MTT assay on days 1 and 3. The cell mineralization was evaluated by von Kossa staining on day 8. Cell migration was assessed 2, 4, 6, and 24 hours following exposure to HA dilutions using an invitro wound healing assay (0, 1:2, 1:4, 1:8). At dilution of 1:2 to 1:128, HA importantly increased cell viability (p < .01). HA at a dilution of 1/2 increased wound healing rates after 4 h compared to the other dilutions and the untreated control group. Increased numbers of mineralized nodules were determined at dilutions of 1:2, 1:4, and 1:8 compared with control group. mRNA expressions of mineralized tissue marker including COL-I, BSP, RunX2, ALP, and OCN significantly improved by HA treatments compared with control group both on 3 days and on 8 days (p < .01). Smad 2, Smad 3, Smad 7, and β-catenin (Ctnnb1) mRNAs were up-regulated, while Smad1 and Smad 6 were not affected by HA administration. Additionally, HA at dilutions of 1:2, 1:4, and 1:8 remarkably enhanced CEMP-1 and CAP expressions in a dilution- and time-dependent manner (p < .01). The present results have demonstrated that HA affected the expression of both mineralized tissue markers and cementoblast-specific genes. Positive effects of HA on the cementoblast functions demonstrated that HA application may play a key role in cementum regeneration.

Osteoarthritis of the hip joints: possibilities of local therapy

Osteoarthritis of the hip joints is one of the most common pathology of the musculoskeletal system. The issues of its therapy are discussed in all clinical recommendations and recently more and more attention has been paid to the introduction of hyaluronic acid preparations. In the Russian recommendations for the treatment of coxarthrosis, this recommendation has a high level of credibility and evidence and is based on a significant number of studies confirming the safety and effectiveness of this therapy in the long term. The article provides data from some studies, as well as the conclusions of the European Consensus Group on intra-articular administration of hyaluronic acid, which prescribes indications and contraindications for the introduction of drugs into the hip joints. The issue of choosing a specific drug among a variety of forms is also discussed and a clinical example of the administration of hyaluronic acid to a patient with osteoarthritis of the hip joints under ultrasound control is considered. A detailed technique of drug administration is described. When considering this clinical example, the good tolerability of the drug, the accuracy of the administration of the drug, as well as the long-term results of the safety and effectiveness of therapy in the form of pain reduction and the absence of the need for NSAIDs are demonstrated.

Efficacy and complications of hyaluronic acid and polylactic acid for penile augmentation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Penile size is considered a symbol of manhood and is a subjective problem for men, especially those with small penis syndrome. Penile augmentation was introduced to correct penile size problems from a medical, psychological, or esthetic point of view. Hyaluronic acid (HA) and polylactic acid (PLA) are two types of augmentation agents that are popularly used today. However, no systematic studies and meta-analyses have compared these two modalities as penile augmentation agents. This study aimed to analyze the efficacy and safety of penile filler injections with HA compared to PLA. This study was based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Articles examining the differences in efficacy and adverse events of the administration of HA and PLA in patients undergoing penile augmentation were systematically reviewed from the PubMed, Proquest, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. An odds ratio with a 95% CI was applied to measure the study outcome. The analysis was performed with RevMan 5.4 software. The risk of bias for each study was evaluated using the Risk of Bias v2 instrument from Cochrane. This research protocol is registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) registry. Four articles consisting of 283 research subjects were included in this study. The meta-analysis for penile girth enhancement after penile augmentation found significant results in the HA group compared to the PLA group (P=0.01). There was no difference in the level of satisfaction with penile appearance 4 weeks after penile augmentation in the HA group compared to the PLA group (P=0.79). HA was significantly superior in sexual satisfaction 12 weeks postpenile augmentation (P=0.0004). There was no difference in the incidence of pain after penile augmentation in the HA group compared to the PLA group (P=0.33). In the postaugmentation penile inflammation, there was no difference (P=0.98) in the HA group compared to the PLA group. There are differences in the efficacy of penile augmentation with the superiority of HA in increasing penile diameter and postaugmentation sexual satisfaction compared to PLA. There was no difference in the incidence of complications between using HA and PLA.

Clinical and Radiological Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid in Periodontal Infrabony Defects: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Purpose:There is no consensus on the clinical and radiological benefits of hyaluronic acid (HA) in patients with periodontitis having infrabony defects. Hence, this study examined the effects of HA in periodontitis patients with infrabony defects through a comprehensive systematic review process.Methodology:A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Embase and Cochrane Library from inception to March 2022. Randomized or non-randomized clinical trials and single-arm clinical trials that assessed the clinical and radiological benefits of HA in periodontitis patients with infrabony defects with a minimum of 6 months follow-up were included in this study. Surgical regenerative therapy was considered as the comparator. The Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool and Downs and Black checklist was used for the quality assessment of randomized and non-randomized interventional studies, respectively. A subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed to explore the heterogeneity and robustness of the findings, respectively.Results:A total of 13 out of 725 studies were included in this systematic review, of which 9 were considered for meta-analysis. The meta-analysis indicated significant benefits of HA in terms of reduction in probing pocket depth (SMD: 1.12 mm; 95% CI: 0.60-1.65; 9 studies), bone defect depth (SMD: 1.04mm; 95%CI: 0.62-1.47; 3 studies) and gain in clinical attachment level (1.04 mm; 95% CI: 0.33-2.47; 8 studies). Overall, the quality of included studies was good.Conclusion:The current evidence indicates that the administration of HA in the periodontal regenerative treatment of infrabony defects was significantly effective in increasing clinical attachment levels and reducing probing pocket and bone defect depth.

An injectable copolymer of fatty acids (ARA 3000 BETA) as a promising treatment for osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent rheumatic disease and a fast growing cause of disability. Current pharmacological treatments include antalgics and non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs to control pain and inflammation as well as slow acting drugs such as intra-articular (IA) administration of hyaluronic acid. Oral supplementation or diet rich in polyunsaturated free fatty acids are proposed but evidence for benefit is still under debate. We here investigated the therapeutic potential of ARA 3000 BETA, an injectable copolymer of fatty acids, at the structural level in OA. Collagenase-induced osteoarthritis model was induced in C57BL/6 mice by collagenase injection into knee joint. Mice were treated with one or two IA or four intra-muscular injections (IM) of ARA 3000 BETA. At sacrifice, knee joints were recovered for cartilage analysis by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and bone analysis by micro-computed tomography system. OA histological scoring was performed after safranin O/fast green staining. Histological analysis revealed a protective effect against cartilage degradation in treated knee joints after IM and IA administration. This was confirmed by CLSM with a significant improvement of all articular cartilage parameters, including thickness, volume and surface degradation whatever the administration route. A slight protective effect was also noticed on subchondral bone parameters and knee joint calcification after IM administration and to a lesser extent, two IA injections. We demonstrated the therapeutic efficacy of injectable ARA 3000 BETA in OA with a protection against cartilage and bone alterations providing the proof-of-concept that clinical translation might be envisioned to delay disease progression.

Clinical and Radiological Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid in Periodontal Infrabony Defects: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Purpose: There is no consensus on the clinical and radiological benefits of hyaluronic acid (HA) in patients with periodontitis having infrabony defects. Hence, this study examined the effects of HA in periodontitis patients with infrabony defects through a comprehensive systematic review process. Methodology: A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Embase and Cochrane Library from inception to March 2022. Randomized or non-randomized clinical trials and single-arm clinical trials that assessed the clinical and radiological benefits of HA in periodontitis patients with infrabony defects with a minimum of 6 months follow-up were included in this study. Surgical regenerative therapy was considered as the comparator. The Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool and Downs and Black checklist was used for the quality assessment of randomized and non-randomized interventional studies, respectively. A subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed to explore the heterogeneity and robustness of the findings, respectively. Results: A total of 13 out of 725 studies were included in this systematic review, of which 9 were considered for meta-analysis. The meta-analysis indicated significant benefits of HA in terms of reduction in probing pocket depth (SMD: 1.12mm; 95%CI: 0.60-1.65; 9 studies), bone defect depth (SMD: 1.04mm; 95%CI: 0.62-1.47; 3 studies) and gain in clinical attachment level (SMD: 1.40 mm; 95%CI: 0.33-2.47; 8 studies). Overall, the quality of included studies was good. Conclusion: The current evidence indicates that the administration of HA in the periodontal regenerative treatment of infrabony defects was significantly effective in increasing clinical attachment levels and reducing probing pocket and bone defect depth.

Association Between Pharmaceutical Industry Marketing Payments to Physicians and Intra-articular Hyaluronic Acid Administration to Medicare Beneficiaries

This cross-sectional study assesses the physician and financial factors associated with the use of hyaluronic acid to treat knee osteoarthritis.

Diagnosis and treatment of interstitial cystitis - literature review

Interstitial cystitis (IC) also known as bladder pain syndrome (BPS) is the presence of chronic or recurrent pain, feelings of tightness or discomfort perceived as associated with the bladder, accompanied by at least one lower urinary tract symptom in the absence of infection or other identifiable causes [1]. These symptoms are pain or burning while urinating; frequent urination; feeling the need to urinate despite having an empty bladder; bloody urine; pressure or cramping in the groin or lower abdomen. There is no laboratory test to make a diagnosis, it is often a diagnosis based on the exclusion of other diseases, one of the diagnostic methods is cystoscopy with the collection of specimens from the bladder and their histopathological examination [2]. Currently there is no causal treatment, only symptomatic treatment is used, such as intravesical administration of hyaluronic acid or surgical methods.

Safety of Epidural Hyaluronic Acid Injections in Managing the Symptoms of Lumbar Foraminal Stenosis: A Prospective Preliminary Study

Lumbar foraminal stenosis (LFS) of degenerative origin is a common reason for distorted neurodynamics of nerve roots, causing radicular pain that is difficult to resolve with conservative treatments. A hyaluronic acid (HA), providing a sliding layer in the mechanical interface of a nerve root in a narrowed lateral recess, could potentially improve its neurodynamics and the trophic, leading to radicular pain reduction and improvement of function. This study aimed to assess the usefulness of ultrasound-guided HA epidural injections combined with neuromobilization in the conservative treatment of LFS. A group of 10 consecutively admitted patients with MRI-confirmed LFS and reduced straight leg raise (SLR) test results were qualified for a single HA epidural injection along with self-performed neuromobilization. Three measurement tools were used for primary outcomes: the numeric rating scale (NRS) for pain intensity, the Oswestry disability index (ODI) and the Roland-Morris questionnaire (RMQ) for disability level, and the angle of pain-free elevation in the SLR test as a functional assessment. The treatment was accomplished in all patients (100%). Overall, 60% of the patients completed all follow-up visits. There were no statistically significant differences regarding the results of the NRS, ODI, or RMQ; however, a statistically significant increase in the results of the SLR test was noted (p = 0.015). Three patients reported a flare-up of the symptoms shortly after injection but without neurological deficits. In conclusion, an epidural HA injection combined with a self-administered exercise program is a promising method and might be a beneficial way to enhance the neurodynamics of nerve roots in LFS and offer an option for steroid treatment. However, this method of epidural HA administration in LFS should be verified in further studies to confirm its efficiency and safety.

Administration of mesenchymal stem cell derivate secretome causes lower levels of Matrix Metalloproteinase-13, Aggrecanase-2, and Interleukin-1β than hyaluronic acid in rabbit knee osteoarthritis

Link of Video Abstract: https://youtu.be/XrtI29YbnTs Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, which cause pain and disability that can affect the quality of life. The inflammation in OA is chronic and characterized by the infiltration of immune cells and the secretion of cytokines. Previous OA treatment used hyaluronic acid intraarticular injection, but several studies show no satisfactory clinical outcome. This study aims to determine and compare the anti-inflammatory and anti-catabolism effects of stem cell-derived secretomes versus hyaluronic acid as the gold standard for the treatment of OA. Methods: This research was conducted using an experimental randomized post-test-only control group design. According to veterinarians, the population in this study were local rabbits, aged 6-8 months, weighing &gt; 1,500 grams, and healthy. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22.0 for Windows. Results: Twenty-two subjects were included in each treatment and control group. From the descriptive analysis, it was found that MMP-13 levels were 7.55 ± 0.23 (Treatment) (ng/mL) and 8.36 ± 1.04 (Control) (ng/mL), ADAMTS-5 levels were 0.83 ± 0.08 (Treatment) (ng/mL) and 1.14 ± 0.33 (Control) (ng/mL), and levels of IL-1β 23.0 5± 2.48 (Treatment) (ng/mL) and 26.81 ± 5.57 (Control) (ng/mL). From the inferential test, it was found that all research results were statistically significant (MMP-13= 0.81; p = 0.021; 95%CI = -1.48 – (-0.13)) (Agrekanase 2 = 0.32; p = 0.006; 95% CI = -0.53 – (-0.09)) (IL-1β = 3.76; p = 0.023; 95% CI = -7.59 – (-0.08)). Conclusion: Administration of mesenchymal stem cell-derived secretomes resulted in significantly lower levels of MMP-13, Agrekanase 2, and IL-1β compared to administration of hyaluronic acid in rabbit knee osteoarthritis

Low molecular weight hyaluronates: biological action, efficacy, safety and clinical experience in the treatment of musculoskeletal pain syndromes (literature review and clinical observations)

Hyaluronic acid (HA) drugs are ingrained in complex treatment of osteoarthritis (OA). They have not only lubricant, but also anti-inflammatory properties, and ability to slow down the progression of OA. The article summarizes current data on the efficacy and safety of low molecular weight HA. The possibilities of using it both intra-articularly (i/a) and for the treatment of tendinopathies are considered. The authors present their own clinical experience in the treatment of patients with musculoskeletal (MS) pain syndromes.It has been shown that i/a administration of HA can effectively reduce the intensity of pain and improve joint function, and when injected into the synovial sheaths of tendons, it can also relieve pain of extra-articular localization. The peculiarities of the surgical technique, preparing for manipulation and post-injection period management are described.The existing evidence base indicates the expediency of active use of HA drugs not only for OA treatment, but also for various extra-articular musculoskeletal pain syndromes.

Comparative evaluation of the efficacy and safety of intra-articular administration of hyaluronic acid and glucocorticoids in the complex therapy of osteoarthritis

Improving the treatment of knee (KN) osteoarthritis (OA) remains an urgent problem.Objective: to compare the efficacy and tolerability of intra-articular (i/a) administration of long-acting glucocorticoids (GCs) and Armaviscon®Forte and Armaviscon®Platinum hyaluronates in patients with knee OA.Material and methods. From November 2019 to April 2022, we examined and treated 60 patients (26 men and 34 women, mean age 41.32±3.71 years) suffering from primary KN OA. Study participants were randomly divided into three groups of 20 patients each. In the 1st group, a longacting GCs in combination with a local anesthetic was administered once i/a into the KN, in the 2nd – Armaviscon®Forte 2.3%, and in the 3rd – Armaviscon®Platinum 3%.Patients were examined at baseline, on the 14th and 60th day after a single injection of the drug. The intensity of pain was assessed on a visual analog scale (VAS), the Lequesne index, the KOOS, WOMAC, and EQ-5D questionnaires were used. When studying tolerability, the number of adverse reactions (ARs) was taken into account.Results. By the end of the observation period in the study groups, there was a decrease in the severity of pain and an increase in functionality with positive dynamics of the Lequesne and WOMAC indices. Both hyaluronic acid drugs had a positive effect on the functional state of the joints according to KOOS, improved the quality of life according to EQ-5D. The need for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in patients of the 2nd and 3rd groups decreased down to their complete cancellation. No adverse events requiring discontinuation of therapy have been reported. The advantage of i/a administration of hyaluronates in comparison with long-acting GCs was shown.Conclusion. In real clinical practice, in patients with symptomatic OA, i/a administration of hyaluronates allows obtaining more favorable results than the use of long-acting HA.

Role of hyaluronic acid during periodontal therapy &amp; post-periodontal surgeries

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a glycosaminoglycan with a high molecular weight found abundantly in the extracellular matrix of soft periodontal tissues. HA has anti-bacterial &amp; anti-inflammatory action in periodontitis &amp; gingivitis. It is plausible that HA administration to diseased periodontal sites is beneficial during periodontal healing as well as post-surgical healing, thus aiding in the management of the periodontal disease. Data gathered from clinical evidence exhibits that HA’s tissue repairing and wound healing could be beneficial not only in patients affected by gingivitis and periodontitis but also during as well as post-periodontal surgery, with significant improvement in their quality of life. This review discusses the physicochemical, biochemical, and pharmacotherapeutic uses of HA during periodontal therapy as well as post-periodontal surgery.

Efficacy and safety of arthroscopic surgery combined with hyaluronic acid for meniscal injuries: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies.

The efficacy and safety of arthroscopic surgery combined with hyaluronic acid in the treatment of meniscal injuries were evaluated by Meta-analysis to provide an evidence-based basis for the selection of clinical treatment options. PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science English databases, and Chinese databases of China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WAN FANG, VIP, and China SinoMed had been searched up to June 2021. Quality evaluation was performed concerning the Cochrane Systematic Evaluation Tool. The obtained data were analyzed using the statistical software Review Manager 5.3. Eleven randomized controlled trials with a total of 955 patients were eventually included, 473 in the arthroscopic combined with hyaluronic acid group (combined treatment group) and 482 in the arthroscopy alone group (surgery group). The results of the study revealed that the excellent treatment [OR = 3.44, 95% CI (2.10, 5.65), p < .00,001], the VAS score [MD = -0.99, 95% CI (-1.50, -0.48), p = .0002], the Lysholm score [MD = 9.70, 95% CI (6.41, 12.99), p < .00,001] and the joint mobility [MD = 6.31, 95% CI (0.84, 11.78), p = .02] of the combined treatment group were significantly better than the surgery group, the difference was statistically significant. The complications rate was comparable in both groups [OR = 0.86, 95% CI (0.29, 2.53), p = .78], with no statistically significant difference. Arthroscopic surgery combined with hyaluronic acid for meniscal injury can improve the efficiency of treatment compared with arthroscopic surgery alone, as well as the efficacy in relieving joint pain and improving joint function and mobility, without increasing the incidence of complications. Arthroscopic surgery combined with hyaluronic acid administration has good effectiveness and safety profile. Therefore, hyaluronic acid supplementation is recommended after arthroscopic surgery when treating meniscal injuries.

Evaluation of the efficiency of hyaluronic acid, PRP and I-PRF intra-articular injections in the treatment of internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint: A prospective study

This study aimed to evaluate the clinical effects of hyaluronic acid (HA), platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and platelet-rich fibrin (I-PRF) injections in the internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint. Adult patients who had failed to respond to nonsurgical treatment were were included in the study. The patients were divided into three treatment groups according to the given substance: 1) HA administration three times in a row on a weekly basis, 2) a single dose of PRP, or 3) a single dose of I-PRF. Clinical assessment was performed preoperatively and 6 and 12 months after the treatment, including maximal mouth opening (MMO) and pain level (Visual Analog Scale). Low and high molecular weight (HAL, HAH) hyaluronic acid forms were also compared. 68 adult patients, with a total of 109 joints were included in the study. The mean age was 53 ± 16 years. The statistical analysis showed a significant improvement in MMO in the HA group (p < 0.01). The pain level significantly decreased in all treatment groups (pHA,PRP,I-PRF<0.01). Comparing HAL and HAH forms, no significant difference was found in the evaluation of MMO and VAS values. Within the limitations of the study it seems that due to the similar effects of HA and the autologous blood substances, the platelet concentrates should be preferred in the intra-articular treatment in order to reduce the risk of possible adverse effects.

The value of injectable viscoelastic supplements for joints.

Intra-articular viscoelastic supplements are commonly administered by musculoskeletal radiologists for the treatment of symptomatic osteoarthritis (OA). This article provides an overview of the putative mechanism of action of the agents, a brief review of the evidence base underlying the practice, a commentary on some of the major society guidelines regarding the treatment, and a description of the adverse events that are associated with intra-articular hyaluronic acid administration.