In vitro analysis of the effects on wound healing of high- and low-molecular weight chains of hyaluronan and their hybrid H-HA/L-HA complexes

Synergic effect of plasma exeresis and non-cross-linked low and high molecular weight hyaluronic acid to improve neck skin laxities

BACKGROUND

Many therapeutic options are today available for neck aging, but little evidence exists about the efficacy of combining such procedures. Nonsurgical treatment of neck laxities and wrinkles is often preferred by patients, and combined strategies are nowadays emerging as the standard of care. Both plasma exeresis and hyaluronic acid (HA) injection are two emerging techniques in this setting.

AIMS

To investigate the synergic effect of plasma exeresis and non-cross-linked HA injection, in stabilized hybrid complex of low and high molecular weight, in terms of both tolerability (assessed using VAS scale of pain) and improvement of neck skin laxities, according to the GAIS score assigned by patients and clinicians.

PATIENTS/METHODS

Ten consecutive patients with signs of neck skin laxities (≥ type 3 according to the Glogau wrinkle scale) aged between 35 and 65 years were enrolled in our study. Two treatment sessions were performed. During the first session, both plasma exeresis and HA injection were performed. Patients were re-evauated after 30 days, and HA injection in the wrinkles of the neck was repeated. After 30 days from the second treatment session, a follow-up visit was performed to assess global efficacy of the two-step combined treatment and to monitor eventual long-term side effects.

RESULTS

A GAIS score of 1 or 2 was present in 90% of the treated cases, according to both patients and clinicians. Mean VAS value for pain was 2.4/10. Minor side effects such as erythema and/or edema were transient and completely resolved. No major adverse events were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

We strongly encourage the combined treatment with plasma exeresis and non-cross-linked HA injection for its promising remodeling effects in the field of neck rejuvenation.

Novel Hybrid Gels Made of High and Low Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid Induce Proliferation and Reduce Inflammation in an Osteoarthritis In Vitro Model Based on Human Synoviocytes and Chondrocytes

High molecular weight hyaluronan (H-HA) has a pivotal role in the maintenance of normal functions of synovial fluid and structure of the articular joint, but it has been shown that its concentration is reduced in patients affected by degenerative cartilage diseases, such as osteoarthritis (OA). The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects and properties of hybrid cooperative complexes based on high and low molecular weight hyaluronan (HCC) compared to H-HA on human primary cells derived by pathological joints. In addition, the rheological behavior of HCC was evaluated in order to define their potential as viscosupplement gel in degenerated joints. The experiments were performed using an in vitro model of OA based on human chondrocytes and synoviocytes isolated from degenerated joints of patients hospitalized for surgical replacement. In order to assess the anti-inflammatory effects of HCC, we evaluated NF-kB, COMP-2, IL-6, and IL-8 as specific markers at the transcriptional and/or protein level. Moreover, the proliferative properties of HCC were assessed using time lapse video microscopy. We showed that chondrocytes and synoviocytes clearly presented an altered cytokine profile compatible with a severe ongoing inflammation status. H-HA and, above all, HCC significantly reduced levels of the specific biomarkers evaluated and improved cartilage healing. The rheological profile indicated HCC suitability for intra-articular injection in joint diseases. HCC viscoelastic properties and the protective/anti-inflammatory effect on human chondrocytes and synoviocytes suggest the novel HCC-based gels as a valid support for OA management.

Protective effect of extractive and biotechnological chondroitin in insulin amyloid and advanced glycation end product-induced toxicity

Glycosaminoglycans are extracellular matrix components related to several biological functions and diseases. Chondroitin sulfate is a sulphated glycosaminoglycan synthesized as part of proteoglycan molecules. They are frequently associated with amyloid deposits and possess an active role in amyloid fibril formation. Recently, a neuroprotective effect of extracellular matrix components against amyloid toxicity and oxidative stress has been reported. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs), the end products of the glycation reaction, have been linked to amyloid-based neurodegenerative disease as associated with oxidative stress and inflammation. In this study we have analyzed the effect of chondroitin sulfate isolated from different species, in comparison with a new biotechnological unsulfated chondroitin, in the amyloid aggregation process of insulin, as well as the ability to prevent the formation of AGEs and related toxicity. The results have showed a determining role of chondroitin sulfate groups in modulating insulin amyloid aggregation. In addition, both sulfated and unsulfated chondroitins have shown protective properties against amyloid and AGEs-induced toxicity. These data are very relevant as a protective effect of these glycosaminoglycans in the AGE-induced toxicity was never observed before. Moreover, considering the issues related to the purity and safety of chondroitin from natural sources, this study suggests a new potential application for the biotechnological chondroitin.

Evaluation of the In Vitro Wound-Healing Activity of Calabrian Honeys

The healing of skin wounds and particularly chronic wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers, is still a clinical emergency. Despite the many therapeutic tools that are available so far, none seems to be really effective and safe. In this context, we highlighted the renewed wound healing activity of honey, a viscous aromatic and sweet food, by way of in vitro wound-healing assays, using the HaCaT cell line. Specifically, we investigated five monofloral or multifloral honeys from different Calabrian provinces using them as such or extracted (by Amberlite^® or n-hexane and ethyl acetate). The chemical composition of honeys was ascertained by ¹H NMR spectroscopy and by the gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) method for volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Amongst the five tested honeys, BL1 and BL5 honeys showed the most promising healing properties. Pinocembrin, which was revealed in BL1 (multifloral) and BL5 (orange) honey samples, is a flavanol that is already known to possess interesting biological activities, including healing. This study aims to investigate how a traditional food such as honey, which is appreciated for its nutritional value and used in folk medicine, can be enhanced as an effective modern remedial to promote a multifaceted and safe healing activity for all skin wounds.

In Vitro Evaluation of Hybrid Cooperative Complexes of Hyaluronic Acid as a Potential New Ophthalmic Treatment

PURPOSE

The purpose of this in vitro study was to assess the potential benefits of eye drops based on hybrid cooperative complexes (HCCs) obtained from high and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid (HA).

METHODS

Rheological measurements were performed to adjust the HCC concentration toward optimal resistance to drainage from the ocular surface. The viscosity and mucoadhesion profiles of the optimized preparation were derived. Primary porcine corneal epithelial cells were used for biological studies. Cells were exposed to dehydration after being pretreated with the HCC solution, and protection from desiccation was evaluated using cell viability assays. Time-lapse experiments were carried out to evaluate the ability of the HCC preparation to promote corneal wound healing. The characterization studies were performed in comparison with a control HA solution representative of commercial HA-based products.

RESULTS

The HCC formulation is able to deliver twice the amount of biopolymer compared with conventional products while avoiding discomfort due to excessive viscosity. The viscosity and mucoadhesion profiles allowed the authors to predict the longer in vivo retention and, therefore, an improved HCC formulation bioavailability. The new preparation also proved superior in protecting porcine corneal epithelial cells from desiccation and in hastening corneal cell wound repair in vitro.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that the developed formulation may be a promising topical ophthalmic medical treatment.

Extracellular DAMPs in Plants and Mammals: Immunity, Tissue Damage and Repair

Innate immune receptors, well known mediators of response to non-self-molecules and inflammation, also act as mediators of immunity triggered by 'damage-associated molecular patterns' (DAMPs). Pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) cause inflammation in mammals and a rapid immune response in plants, while DAMPs trigger more complex responses, including immunity, tissue maintenance and repair. DAMPs, their receptors and downstream transduction mechanisms are often conserved within a kingdom or, due to convergent evolution, are similar across the kingdoms of life. Herein, we describe the dynamics and functionality of specific extracellular DAMP classes and their receptors in immunity, inflammation and repair of tissue damage in plants and mammals.

A biophysically-defined hyaluronic acid-based compound accelerates migration and stimulates the production of keratinocyte-derived neuromodulators

Hyaluronic acid (HA) preparations are widely used in clinical practice and recent data suggest that commercially available HA-based compounds promote ulcer re-epithelialization and induce pain relief. However, the pathophysiological basis of these effects remains poorly understood. In the present study, we investigated the biophysical, biomolecular and functional properties of a HA preparation combined with a pool of collagen precursor synthetic aminoacids, namely l-proline, l-leucine, l-lysine and glycine (Aminogam®). Hydrodynamic characterization of Aminogam® by size exclusion chromatography-triple detector array (SEC-TDA) revealed an average molecular weight in the range of 700–1700 kDa. Rheological measurements of the 1700kDa M_w lot showed a pseoudoplastic behaviour with a zero-shear viscosity (η₀) equal to 90 ± 9 Pa∙s at 25°C and 55 ± 6 Pa∙s at 37°C. Automated time-lapse videomicroscopy studies in a fibroblast-free system demonstrated that 1% (v/v) Aminogam® significantly reduced the healing time of wounded keratinocyte monolayers. In AKGOS assays, Aminogam® stimulated cellular locomotion (chemokinesis) and directional migration (chemotaxis) of keratinocytes. Analysis of microarray data suggested that keratinocytes had a functional neuroendocrine machinery, and this was confirmed by testing the secretion of six neuroactive molecules by ELISA, namely α-MSH, β-endorphins, melatonin, substance P, cortisol, and neurotensin. Interestingly, Aminogam® regulated the production of several neuropeptides, including β-endorphins. In conclusion, our data shed light on the epithelial-dependent mechanisms that underlie the efficacy of Aminogam®, particularly in reference to wound healing and nociception.

Positive Effects against UV-A Induced Damage and Oxidative Stress on an In Vitro Cell Model Using a Hyaluronic Acid Based Formulation Containing Amino Acids, Vitamins, and Minerals

Ultraviolet (UV) radiations are responsible for skin photoaging inducing alteration of the molecular and cellular pathways resulting in dryness and reduction of skin elasticity. In this study, we investigated, in vitro, the antiaging and antioxidant effects of hyaluronan formulations based hydrogel. Skinkò E, an intradermic formulation composed of hyaluronic acid (HA), minerals, amino acids, and vitamins, was compared with the sole HA of the same size. For this purpose, HaCaT cells were subjected to UV-A radiations and H₂O₂ exposure and then treated with growth medium (CTR) combined with M-HA or Skinkò E to evaluate their protective ability against stressful conditions. Cells reparation was evaluated using a scratch in vitro model and Time-Lapse Video Microscopy. A significant protective effect for Skinkò E was shown with respect to M-HA. In addition, Skinkò E increased cell reparation. Therefore, NF-kB, SOD-2, and HO-1 were significantly reduced at the transcriptional and protein level. Interestingly, γ-H2AX and protein damage assay confirmed the protection by hyaluronans tested against oxidative stress. G6pdΔ ES cell line, highly susceptible to oxidative stress, was used as a further cellular model to assess the antioxidant effect of Skinkò E. Western blotting analyses showed that the treatment with this new formulation exerts marked antioxidant action in cells exposed to UV-A and H₂O₂. Thus, the protective and reparative properties of Skinkò E make it an interesting tool to treat skin aging.

Valorization of Olive Mill Wastewater by Membrane Processes to Recover Natural Antioxidant Compounds for Cosmeceutical and Nutraceutical Applications or Functional Foods

Olive oil boasts numerous health benefits due to the high content of the monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) and functional bioactives including tocopherols, carotenoids, phospholipids, and polyphenolics with multiple biological activities. Polyphenolic components present antioxidant properties by scavenging free radicals and eliminating metabolic byproducts of metabolism. The objective of this research project was to recover the biologically active components rich in polyphenols, which include treatment of olive oil mills wastewater, and, at the same time, to remove the pollutant waste component resulting from the olive oil manufacturing processes. With specific focus on using technologies based on the application of ultra and nanofiltration membranes, the polyphenols fraction was extracted after an initial flocculation step. The nano-filtration permeate showed a reduction of about 95% of the organic load. The polyphenols recovery after two filtration steps was about 65% w/v. The nanofiltration retentate, dried using the spray dryer technique, was tested for cell viability after oxidative stress induction on human keratinocytes model in vitro and an improved cell reparation in the presence of this polyphenolic compound was demonstrated in scratch assays assisted through time lapse video-microscopy. The polyphenols recovered from these treatments may be suitable ingredients in cosmeceuticals and possibly nutraceutical preparations or functional foods.

An Effective Translation: The Development of Hyaluronan-Based Medical Products From the Physicochemical, and Preclinical Aspects

This review shows the steps toward material selection focalized on the design and development of medical devices based on hyaluronan (HA). The selection is based on chemical and mechanical properties, biocompatibility, sterilization, safety, and scale-up costs. These facts play a vital role in the industrialization process. Approved medical devices containing-HA are illustrated to identify key parameters. The first part of this work involves the steps toward a complete characterization of chemical and mechanical aspects, reproducibility of the processes and scale up. In a second stage, we aimed to describe the preclinical in vitro and in vivo assays and selected examples of clinical trials. Furthermore, it is important to keep in mind the regulatory affairs during the research and development (R&D) using standardization (ISO standards) to achieve the main goal, which is the functionality and safety of the final device. To keep reproducible experimental data to prepare an efficient master file for the device, based on quality and recorded manufacturing data, and a rigorous R&D process may help toward clinical translation. A strong debate is still going on because the denominated basic research in HA field does not pay attention to the purity and quality of the raw materials used during the development. So that, to achieve the next generation of devices is needed to overcome the limitations of state of art in terms of efficacy, biodegradability, and non-toxicity.

Antitumor activity of sulfated hyaluronic acid fragments in pre-clinical models of bladder cancer

Tumor cell-derived hyaluronidase HYAL-1 degrades hyaluronic acid (HA) into angiogenic fragments (AGF: 10-12 disaccharides). AGF support tumor growth and progression. Urine and tissue HAase/HYAL-1 levels are sensitive markers for high-grade bladder cancer (BCa) and its metastasis. In preclinical models of BCa, we evaluated whether o-sulfated AGF (sHA-F) inhibits HAase activity and has antitumor activity. At IC₅₀ for HAase activity inhibition (5-20 μg/ml [0.4-1.7 μM]), sHA-F significantly inhibited proliferation, motility and invasion of HYAL-1 expressing BCa cells (253J-Lung, HT1376, UMUC-3), P<0.001. sHA-F did not affect the growth of HYAL-1 non-expressing BCa (5637, RT4, T24, TCCSUP) and normal urothelial (Urotsa, SV-HUC1) cells. sHA-F treatment induced apoptosis by death receptor pathway. sHA-F downregulated transcript and/or protein levels of HA receptors (CD44, RHAMM), p-AKT, β-catenin, pβ-Catenin(S552), Snail and Twist but increased levels of pβ-Catenin(T41/S45), pGSK-3α/β(S21/S9) and E-cadherin. sHA-F also inhibited CD44/Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI-3K) complex formation and PI-3K activity. AGF addition or myristoylated-AKT overexpression attenuated sHA-F effects. Contrarily, HYAL-1 expression sensitized RT4 cells to sHA-F treatment. In the 253J-L and HT1376 xenograft models, sHA-F treatment significantly inhibited tumor growth (P<0.001), plausibly by inhibiting angiogenesis and HA receptor-PI-3K/AKT signaling. This study delineates that sHA-F targets tumor-associated HA-HAase system and could be potentially useful in BCa treatment.

Sulfation degree not origin of chondroitin sulfate derivatives modulates keratinocyte response

Chondroitin sulfate (CS) sulfation-dependently binds transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and chronic wounds often accompany with epidermal hyperproliferation due to downregulated TGF-β signaling. However, the impact of CS on keratinocytes is unknown. Especially biotechnological-chemical strategies are promising to replace animal-derived CS. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the effects of CS derivatives on the interaction with vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) and on keratinocyte response. Over-sulfated CS (sCS3) interacts stronger with VEGF-A than CS. Furthermore, collagen coatings with CS variants are prepared by in vitro fibrillogenesis. Stability analyses demonstrate that collagen is firmly integrated, while the fibril diameters decrease with increasing sulfation degree. CS variants sulfation-dependently decelerate keratinocyte (HaCaT) migration and proliferation in a scratch assay. HaCaT cultured on sCS3-containing coatings produced increased amounts of solute active TGF-β1 which could be translated into biomaterials able to decrease epidermal hyperproliferation in chronic wounds. Overall, semi-synthetic and natural CS yield to comparable responses.

Tissue engineering; strategies, tissues, and biomaterials

Current tissue regenerative strategies rely mainly on tissue repair by transplantation of the synthetic/natural implants. However, limitations of the existing strategies have increased the demand for tissue engineering approaches. Appropriate cell source, effective cell modification, and proper supportive matrices are three bases of tissue engineering. Selection of appropriate methods for cell stimulation, scaffold synthesis, and tissue transplantation play a definitive role in successful tissue engineering. Although the variety of the players are available, but proper combination and functional synergism determine the practical efficacy. Hence, in this review, a comprehensive view of tissue engineering and its different aspects are investigated.

Targeted HAS2 Expression Lessens Airway Responsiveness in Chronic Murine Allergic Airway Disease

Hyaluronan (HA), a major component of the extracellular matrix, is secreted by airway structural cells. Airway fibroblasts in allergic asthma secrete elevated levels of HA in association with increased HA synthase 2 (HAS2) expression. Thus, we hypothesized that HA accumulation in the airway wall may contribute to airway remodeling and hyperresponsiveness in allergic airways disease. To examine this hypothesis, transgenic mice in which the α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) promoter drives HAS2 expression were generated. Mixed male and female α-SMA-HAS2 mice (HAS2+ mice, n = 16; HAS2- mice, n = 13) were sensitized via intraperitoneal injection and then chronically challenged with aerosolized ovalbumin (OVA) for 6 weeks. To test airway responsiveness, increasing doses of methacholine were delivered intravenously and airway resistance was measured using the forced oscillation technique. HA, cytokines, and cell types were analyzed in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, serum, and whole lung homogenates. Lung sections were stained using antibodies specific for HA-binding protein (HABP) and α-SMA, as well as Masson's trichrome stain. Staining of lung tissue demonstrated significantly increased peribronchial HA, α-SMA, and collagen deposition in OVA-challenged α-SMA-HAS2+ mice compared with α-SMA-HAS2- mice. Unexpectedly, OVA-challenged α-SMA-HAS2+ mice displayed significantly reduced airway responsiveness to methacholine compared with similarly treated α-SMA-HAS2- mice. The total numbers of inflammatory cell types in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid did not differ significantly between OVA-challenged α-SMA-HAS2+ mice and α-SMA-HAS2- mice. We conclude that allergen-challenged mice that overexpress HAS2 in myofibroblasts and smooth muscle cells develop increased airway fibrosis, which lessens airway hyperresponsiveness to bronchoconstrictors.

The Development of a Novel Therapeutic Strategy to Target Hyaluronan in the Extracellular Matrix of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal diseases to affect humans, regardless of whether patients receive multimodal therapy (including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy). This resistance to intervention is currently considered to be caused by the desmoplastic change of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in PDAC tissues, which is characterized by the accumulation of cancer-associated fibroblasts, collagen, proteoglycan, and hyaluronan. Among these ECM components, hyaluronan has attracted interest because various studies have indicated that hyaluronan-rich PDAC is correlated with the progressive properties of cancer cells, both in experimental and clinical settings. Hence, the reduction of hyaluronan in cancer tissue may represent a novel therapeutic approach for PDAC. 4-methylumbelliferone (4-MU) is a derivative of coumarin that was reported to suppress the synthesis of hyaluronan in cultured human skin fibroblasts in 1995. As an additional study, our group firstly reported that 4-MU reduced the hyaluronan synthesis of mouse melanoma cells and exerted anti-cancer activity. Subsequently, we have showed that 4-MU inhibited liver metastasis in mice inoculated with human pancreatic cancer cells. Thereafter, 4-MU has been accepted as an effective agent for hyaluronan research and is expected to have clinical applications. This review provides an overview of the interaction between PDAC and hyaluronan, the properties of 4-MU as a suppressor of the synthesis of hyaluronan, and the perspectives of PDAC treatment targeting hyaluronan.

Hyaluronan Hybrid Cooperative Complexes as a Novel Frontier for Cellular Bioprocesses Re-Activation

Hyaluronic Acid (HA)-based dermal formulations have rapidly gained a large consensus in aesthetic medicine and dermatology. HA, highly expressed in the Extracellular Matrix (ECM), acts as an activator of biological cascades, stimulating cell migration and proliferation, and operating as a regulator of the skin immune surveillance, through specific interactions with its receptors. HA may be used in topical formulations, as dermal inducer, for wound healing. Moreover, intradermal HA formulations (injectable HA) provide an attractive tool to counteract skin aging (e.g., facial wrinkles, dryness, and loss of elasticity) and restore normal dermal functions, through simple and minimally invasive procedures. Biological activity of a commercially available hyaluronic acid, Profhilo®, based on NAHYCO™ technology, was compared to H-HA or L-HA alone. The formation of hybrid cooperative complexes was confirmed by the sudden drop in η0 values in the rheological measurements. Besides, hybrid cooperative complexes proved stable to hyaluronidase (BTH) digestion. Using in vitro assays, based on keratinocytes, fibroblasts cells and on the Phenion® Full Thickness Skin Model 3D, hybrid cooperative complexes were compared to H-HA, widely used in biorevitalization procedures, and to L-HA, recently proposed as the most active fraction modulating the inflammatory response. Quantitative real-time PCR analyses were accomplished for the transcript quantification of collagens and elastin. Finally immunofluorescence staining permitted to evaluate the complete biosynthesis of all the molecules investigated. An increase in the expression levels of type I and type III collagen in fibroblasts and type IV and VII collagen in keratinocytes were found with the hybrid cooperative complexes, compared to untreated cells (CTR) and to the H-HA and L-HA treatments. The increase in elastin expression found in both cellular model and in the Phenion® Full Thickness Skin Model 3D also at longer time (up to 7 days), supports the clinically observed improvement of skin elasticity. The biomarkers analyzed suggest an increase of tissue remodeling in the presence of Profhilo®, probably due to the long lasting release and the concurrent action of the two HA components.

Efficacy and tolerance of an injectable medical device containing stable hybrid cooperative complexes of high- and low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid: a monocentric 16 weeks open-label evaluation

BACKGROUND

An injectable medical device containing stable hybrid cooperative complexes of high- and low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid (HA) has been developed with characteristics suited for a global improvement of facial esthetics.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the HA product performance in improving some key facial esthetic features. The study employed clinical scales, subjective evaluations, and facial skin objective measurements.

METHODS

A single Italian site treated 64 female subjects aged 38-60 years, with injections at five predetermined points, on each side of the face, with a 4-week time lapse between the first and the second product administration. Subjects were evaluated after 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks, using validated clinical scales, subjective evaluation, and objective quantitative outcome measures. Assessment of esthetic results included photographic documentation.

RESULTS

Both the clinical and subjective assessments, and the majority of objective instrumental parameters indicated an improvement throughout the study and were already significant at week 4 or 8 and were still significant at week 16 (3 months after the second treatment). Minor and temporary local skin reactions were observed in 23% of subjects at the site of the injections, and the global judgment on tolerability was good or excellent, both in the investigators' opinion and volunteers' self-evaluation.

CONCLUSION

Both subjective and objective improvement of the facial parameters was consistent with the bio-remodeling purpose, and persistent and still statistically significant at the end of the study. The tolerability and safety profile of the product were judged good or excellent both by investigators and volunteers. This study supports the claim for bio-remodeling of these stable hybrid cooperative complexes of low- and high-molecular-weight HA.

Is molecular size a discriminating factor in hyaluronan interaction with human cells?

Nowadays there is a great interest in investigating the effect of particular hyaluronan fragments in the biomedical field and in cosmeceutical applications. Literature has reported that very low molecular weight HA (Mw<5kDa) has an inflammatory effect, whilst HA ranging from 15 to 250 has shown controversial effects. This work aims to give better elucidation on the correlation between the different sized HA fragments and their biological functions. In this respect, a simple and effective degradation strategy is used to obtain several HA fragments. Also, an hydrodynamic and structural characterization was performed in order to obtain samples suitable to evaluate cellular response. In particular an in vitro scratch test in time lapse experiments was used to study the effect of HA fragments, ranging from 1800 to 6kDa on wound dermal reparation based on human keratinocytes. All high and low Mw HA used in this study allowed for faster wound closure compared to the un-treated cells, except for 6kDa that, on the contrary, prevented repair. In addition, TGF-β 1, TNFα and IL-6, representative biomarkers of the inflammation phase occurring in wound healing process, were quantified by RT-PCR. A general up-regulation trend of these biomarkers was found with the HA molecular weight reduction. LHA6kDa was the only treatment that induced a major inflammatory response (over 30 fold increase respect to control) confirming the recent literature outcomes. IL-6 protein level evaluated through ELISA assay corroborated the previous results. Furthermore, activation of key HA receptors, such as CD44, RHAMM, TLR4, with respect to hyaluronan size, was evaluated, at transcriptional level showing selective recognition by HA 1800, 1400, 500 for CD44, whilst the lower Mw fragments activated TLR-4 moderately at 50 and 15kDa. An increase to "alarm" level was found for 6kDa fragments. Immunofluorescence staining confirmed this data. The present research work demonstrated that the diverse pharma grade hyaluronan fragments could modulate cellular processes differently. From 1800kDa down to 50kDa, CD44 was the recognized receptor and pro-inflammatory biomarkers were only slightly up-regulated during wound healing in the presence of HA. Finally our outcomes showed that the lower the fragment size the higher the concern for inflammatory cytokines up-regulation; repair process impairment was highlighted only for 6kDa chains.

Calcium reduces vitamin D and glucocorticoid receptors in the visceral fat of obese male rats

Rats overfed during lactation show higher visceral adipose tissue (VAT) mass and metabolic dysfunctions at adulthood. As both vitamin D and glucocorticoids change adipogenesis, parameters related to metabolism and action of these hormones in the adipocyte can be altered in rats raised in small litters (SL). We also studied the antiobesity effects of high calcium diet since it decreases visceral fat in obesity models. On postnatal day (PN) 3, litter size was adjusted to 3pups/dam (SL) to induce overfeeding. Control litters (NL) remained with 10pups/dam until weaning. From PN120 to PN180, half of the SL rats were fed standard chow (SL) and the other half was fed a calcium-supplemented chow (SL-Ca, 10g CaCO3/kg). Both SL groups were heavier and hyperphagic when compared with the NL group; however, SL-Ca rats ate less than SL. SL-Ca rats had decreased VAT mass and adipocyte size, associated with lower hypothalamic NPY content, VAT fat acid synthase content and leptinemia. At PN120, SL rats had increased plasma 25(OH)D3, Cyp27b1 mRNA and glucocorticoid receptor (GR-α) in the VAT, but lower vitamin D receptor (Vdr) mRNA. At PN180, Cyp27b1 and GR-α remained higher, while Vdr normalized in SL rats. SL-Ca rats had normal VAT Cyp27b1 and GR-α, but lower Vdr Thus, higher body mass and glucocorticoid receptors in the VAT of SL rats are normalized by calcium-enriched diet, and Vdr expression in this tissue is reduced, suggesting a possible role of glucocorticoids and vitamin D in calcium action in the adipocyte.

Hyaluronan viscosupplementation: state of the art and insight into the novel cooperative hybrid complexes based on high and low molecular weight HA of potential interest in osteoarthritis treatment

Osteoarthritis (OA) represents a group of chronic, painful, disabling conditions affecting synovial joints. It is characterized by degeneration of articular cartilage, alterations of peri-articular and subchondral bone, low-grade synovial inflammation (synovitis). Despite OA is commonly described as a non-inflammatory disease, it is known that its progression and the subsequent increment of symptoms correlate to the production of inflammatory factors that induce the secretion of enzymes responsible for cartilage degradation. In clinical practice, to alleviate pain and stiffness, not only during acute phases but also as maintenance therapy, intra-articular injections of corticosteroids or similar drugs are used, besides it is well diffused the viscosupplementation procedure based on hyaluronan gel. There are many different products containing high molecular weight linear HA or cross-linked derivatives, however the novelty in the field consist in the hybrid cooperative complexes derived from high and low molecular weight HA through a patented processing. This technique permit to double the amount of HA delivered to the injured site without increasing the injected volume, beside in vitro assay on human chondrocytes suggested hybrid complexes as effective in the modulation of several inflammatory cytokines in joints.

Biotechnological Chondroitin a Novel Glycosamminoglycan With Remarkable Biological Function on Human Primary Chondrocytes

Cartilage tissue engineering, with in vitro expansion of autologus chondrocytes, is a promising technique for tissue regeneration and is a new potential strategy to prevent and/or treat cartilage damage (e.g., osteoarthritis). The aim of this study was (i) to investigate and compare the effects of new biotechnological chondroitin (BC) and a commercial extractive chondroitin sulfate (CS) on human chondrocytes in vitro culture; (ii) to evaluate the anti‐inflammatory effects of the innovative BC compared to extractive CS. A chondrogenic cell population was isolated from human nasoseptal cartilage and in vitro cultures were studied through time‐lapse video microscopy (TLVM), immunohistochemical staining and cytometry. In order to investigate the effect of BC and CS on phenotype maintainance, chondrogenic gene expression of aggrecan (AGN), of the transcriptor factor SOX9, of the types I and II collagen (COL1A1 and COL1A2), were quantified through transcriptional and protein evaluation at increasing cultivation time and passages. In addition to resemble the osteoarthritis‐like in vitro model, chondrocytes were treated with IL‐1β and the anti‐inflammatory activity of BC and CS was assessed using cytokines quantification by multiplex array. BC significantly enhances cell proliferation also preserving chondrocyte phenotype increasing type II collagen expression up to 10 days of treatment and reduces inflammatory response in IL‐1β treated chondrocytes respect to CS treated cells. Our results, taken together, suggest that this new BC is of foremost importance in translational medicine because it can be applied in novel scaffolds and pharmaceutical preparations aiming at cartilage pathology treatments such as the osteoarthritis. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 2158–2169, 2016. © 2016 The Authors. Journal of Cellular Biochemistry Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.