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A decrease in the molecular weight of hyaluronic acid in synovial fluid from patients with temporomandibular
Tetsu Takahashi1, Kazuhiro Tominaga, Hiroshi Takano
1Second Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Kyushu Dental College, Kitakyushu, Japan. tetsu@kyu-dent.ac.jp
Summary
The molecular weight of hyaluronic acid in temporomandibular disorder (TMD) patients' synovial fluid is significantly lower than in healthy individuals. This finding may indicate joint inflammation in TMD.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Rheumatology
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Background:
- Hyaluronic acid (HA) molecular weight (MW) typically decreases in joints affected by inflammatory arthritis.
- Inflammation is a characteristic of certain temporomandibular disorders (TMD).
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure the MW of HA in synovial fluid (SF) from TMD patients.
- To compare HA MW in TMD patients with that of normal controls.
Main Methods:
- Synovial fluid samples were collected from 21 TMD patients and 5 normal controls.
- High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to determine the MW of HA in SF.
Main Results:
- HA MW in controls exceeded the detection limit of 3000 kDa.
- 19 out of 21 (90.5%) TMD patients exhibited a reduced HA MW in their SF.
- The median HA MW in TMD patients (1570 kDa) was significantly lower than in controls (P < 0.01).
Conclusions:
- The molecular weight of hyaluronic acid in the synovial fluid of TMD patients is decreased.
- This reduction in HA MW may serve as a biomarker for inflammation in TMD.