Lactose-Modified Hyaluronic Acid Molecule Attenuates In Vitro Chondrocyte Inflammation.

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
• Immunology
• Biomaterials Science

Background:

• Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease marked by cartilage breakdown and inflammation.
• Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is an extracellular matrix-binding lectin that influences cell-matrix interactions and inflammation.
• Hylach® is a hyaluronic acid (HA) derivative designed to bind Gal-3.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of Hylach® on in vitro inflamed primary human chondrocytes.
• To compare the efficacy of Hylach® with native hyaluronic acid (HA).

Main Methods:

• Chondrocyte viability was assessed using the MTT assay after treatment with Hylach® and HA.
• Two-dimensional (2D) and 3D chondrocyte cultures were exposed to activated monocyte conditioned medium.
• Expression of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and Gal-3 was analyzed at gene and protein levels at various time points.

Main Results:

• Hylach® and HA did not impact chondrocyte viability.
• Both molecules reduced Gal-3 and pro-inflammatory cytokine overexpression in 2D cultures; Hylach® showed a stronger effect.
• Hylach®, but not HA, significantly reduced IL-1β, TNF-α, and Gal-3 gene expression in 3D inflamed chondrocyte cultures.

Conclusions:

• Hylach® demonstrates an early and more potent anti-inflammatory effect compared to HA in both 2D and 3D chondrocyte models.
• Targeting Gal-3 with specialized HA derivatives like Hylach® is a promising strategy for OA management.
• This approach may help modulate inflammation and matrix remodeling in osteoarthritis.