HYALURONAN IN JOINT DISEASE

Hyaluronan is a major component of synovial fluid. It is synthesized i n the joint and partly degraded in joint capsule and partly carried by lymph to lymph nodes and the general circulation. During various join t disorders, especially inflammatory ones, the amount of hyaluronan in the joint and its turnover rate are increased leading to pathological ly high serum levels of the polysaccharide. These levels are a complex function of synovitis mass and the physical activity of the patient. Intra-articular injection of hyaluronan has been used in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Although it results in a relief of pain, controlle d clinical trials have not yet convincingly shown any beneficiary effe cts of the treatment.