Hyaluronic acid‐dependent protection against alkali‐burned human corneal cells

Abstract

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a high‐molecular‐weight glycosaminoglycan and extracellular matrix component that promotes cell proliferation. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of HA on alkali‐injured human corneal epithelial cells in vitro, and to elucidate the mechanisms by which HA mediates corneal cell protection. A human corneal epithelial cell line (HCE‐2) was treated with sodium hydroxide before incubation with low‐molecular‐weight HA (LMW‐HA, 127 kDa) or high‐molecular‐weight HA (HMW‐HA, 1525 kDa). A global proteomic analysis was then performed. Our data indicated that HA treatment protects corneal epithelial cells from alkali injury, and that the molecular weight of HA is a crucial factor in determining its effects. Only HMW‐HA reduced NaOH‐induced cytotoxic effects in corneal cells significantly and increased their migratory and wound healing ability. Results from 2D‐DIGE and MALDI‐TOF/TOF MS analyses indicated that HMW‐HA modulates biosynthetic pathways, cell migration, cell outgrowth, and protein degradation to stimulate wound healing and prevent cell death. To our knowledge, our study is the first to report the possible mechanisms by which HMW‐HA promotes repair in alkali‐injured human corneal epithelial cells.

Hyaluronic Acid and Wound Healing

“…We believe this to be the result of an inability of this highly viscous gel to penetrate into the cells (2). In a separate study, Wu et al (5) show that high molecular weight (HMW)-HA (1525 kDa) has superior cytoprotective effects compared to low molecular weight (LMW)-HA (127 kDa). HMW-HA 0.3% facilitates cell migration and wound healing (5).…”

“…HA has recently been used in several in vitro studies (2)(3)(4)(5). Our group has used HA jellies at concentrations of 2%, 4% and 8% that were formulated at the Placentary Histotherapy Center in Cuba from residual umbilical cords of human placentas obtained according to the National Recollection Program.…”

“…In a separate study, Wu et al (5) show that high molecular weight (HMW)-HA (1525 kDa) has superior cytoprotective effects compared to low molecular weight (LMW)-HA (127 kDa). HMW-HA 0.3% facilitates cell migration and wound healing (5). HMW-HA also promotes wound healing and cell survival in a rat heart ischemiareperfusion model, while LMW-HA has no protective effects (4).…”

Exogenous acellular synovial fluid as a new therapeutic option in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine

“…Wodewotzky et al 29 showed that HA can improve cell viability and increases cell proliferation in bone marrow-derived canine mesenchymal stem cells in vitro. Wu et al 49 showed that these beneficial effects Competing interests: none declared. Conflict of interests: none declared.…”

Effects of topical hyaluronic acid on corneal wound healing in dogs: a pilot study

“…Hyaluronic acid serves other important biologic roles, including the ability to promote wound healing. Numerous studies have demonstrated that hyaluronic acid accelerates corneal wound healing both in vitro and in vivo . Consequently, topical hyaluronic acid is commonly included in the treatment regimen for superficial corneal ulcerations in canine patients.…”