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Densification: Hyaluronan Aggregation in Different Human Organs.

Antonio Stecco1, Mary Cowman2, Nina Pirri3

  • 1Rusk Rehabilitation, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA.

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|April 21, 2022
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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Hyaluronan (HA) aggregation, or densification, in organs like the liver and skin increases viscosity, causing stiffness and dysfunction. Early diagnosis via advanced imaging can help manage this pathology.

Keywords:
aggregationblood vesselsdensificationeyefasciahyaluronankidneyliverlungmuscleskin

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Area of Science:

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Cell Biology
  • Medical Imaging

Background:

  • Hyaluronan (HA) plays diverse biological roles, attracting significant clinical attention.
  • HA aggregation, termed densification, is increasingly recognized as a pathological process.
  • This phenomenon impacts various human organs and tissues.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the occurrence and consequences of hyaluronan aggregation in human organs.
  • To highlight the link between HA densification, extracellular matrix viscosity, and organ dysfunction.
  • To discuss the role of advanced imaging in diagnosing HA-related pathologies.

Main Methods:

  • Narrative review of existing literature on hyaluronan aggregation.
  • Identification of organs affected by HA densification.
  • Summary of diagnostic imaging techniques for HA aggregation.

Main Results:

  • HA aggregation is observed in the liver, eye, lung, kidney, blood vessels, muscle, fascia, skin, pancreatic cancer, and malignant melanoma.
  • Densification increases extracellular matrix viscosity, leading to organ stiffness and dysfunction.
  • Long-term HA aggregation can contribute to fibrosis in affected organs.

Conclusions:

  • Hyaluronan aggregation is a widespread pathological process affecting multiple organs.
  • Increased matrix viscosity and stiffness due to HA densification impair organ function.
  • Advanced imaging techniques like elasto-MRI and T1ρ MRI enable early diagnosis and management.