Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2026

Effect of Hyaluronic Acid 35 kDa on an In Vitro Model of Preterm Small Intestinal Injury and Healing Using Enteroid-Derived Monolayers
Published on: July 28, 2022
Hyaluronan in human acute and chronic dermal wounds
Tracey A Dechert1, Ashley E Ducale, Susan I Ward
1Department of Surgery, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia 23298, USA.
This study found that pressure ulcers have higher inflammation and lower hyaluronan levels compared to normal healing wounds. Increased hyaluronidase activity may degrade hyaluronan during wound repair.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Dermatology
- Wound Healing Research
Background:
- Hyaluronan plays a role in physiological processes, including wound healing.
- Understanding the relationship between hyaluronan and inflammation is crucial for wound repair research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantitatively compare inflammation and hyaluronan expression in human normal healing open wounds versus pressure ulcers.
- To investigate the role of hyaluronidase activity in the degradation of hyaluronan during wound repair.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an open dermal wound model in humans.
- Measured myeloperoxidase activity as an indicator of inflammation.
- Quantified hyaluronan levels and hyaluronidase activity.
Main Results:
- Myeloperoxidase activity peaked at day 3 in acute wounds.
- Hyaluronan levels exhibited a bimodal distribution in acute wounds (peaks on days 1 and 7).
- Pressure ulcers showed significantly higher myeloperoxidase activity and significantly lower hyaluronan levels compared to acute wounds.
- Hyaluronidase activity was significantly elevated in pressure ulcers.
Conclusions:
- Suggests a role for increased enzymatic degradation of hyaluronan due to inflammation in wound repair.
- Highlights the first quantitative examination of hyaluronan expression in human acute dermal wounds and chronic pressure ulcers.
Related Concept Videos
Glycosaminoglycans
GAGS are found in the extracellular matrix of vertebrates, invertebrates, and bacteria. Due to their polar nature they attract water, and serve as excellent lubricants or shock absorbers in an animal body.
Hyaluronic...
Phases of Wound Repair
Formation of Blood Clot
In case of deep injuries, trauma to blood vessels results in blood loss. In the meantime, phospholipids released from the ruptured endothelial cellular membrane are converted into arachidonic...
Inflammatory Response II: Inflammatory Exudate and Tissue Repair
The typical wound exudate is odorless, transparent, straw-colored, thin, and watery. Exudate, however, can differ depending on the state of wound healing. Likewise, the exudate's...
Healing II: Complications
Healing I: Introduction
Chronic Inflammation: Introduction

