Occurrence
Particularly large proportions of hyaluronic acid are found above all in the joint cartilage, in the vitreous body of the eye, in many tissues of the body, which above all have a stabilizing function. Furthermore, hyaluronic acid is found in areas of the body where high pressure is built up and where it is important to achieve an appropriate cushioning effect. For this reason, high levels of hyaluronic acid are found in the intervertebral discs of the spine.
Tasks
The tasks of hyaluronic acid are manifold. Due to its chemical structure, hyaluronic acid can grow considerably in size and occupy a space that is about 10,000 times larger than the space originally occupied. The expansion becomes visible by a gel-shaped appearance, which the hyaluronic acid in this case takes.
This gel-like form also has a gliding and lubricating property. For this reason, hyaluronic acid is mainly used to lubricate the joints. For this reason, it can be found in most joints of the animal organism.
The gel-like structure of hyaluronic acid also means that it is found in large quantities in the vitreous body of the eye, thus preventing the eye from losing its structure, while at the same time allowing enough light rays to pass through its vitreous optic and guaranteeing the visual process. Depending on the expansion of the hyaluronic acid, a soft gel-like state can be achieved as well as a rather tough, hard rubber-like state, which has the property of absorbing high pressure. For this reason, large amounts of hyaluronic acid are found in the intervertebral discs of the spine, which must withstand the highest pressures of the body every day and cushion them accordingly.
Due to its high ability to bind water, it acts as a natural shock absorber.The structure of hyaluronic acid also has a shaping and directional property, i.e. hyaluronic acid is found in most parts of the body where it is important that a certain hold or shape is paid for. Finally, hyaluronic acid is present in most human cells and is responsible for the structure and stability of the cell wall. OphthalmologyIn ophthalmology, the inert flow property of hyaluronic acid is used.
As a cleaning agent, hyaluronic acid is used as a carrier and cleaning substance for contact lenses. In addition, preparations containing hyaluronic acid are used in eye surgery to stabilize the anterior chamber of the eye or to achieve stability of the vitreous body inside the eye. This is the case, for example, with retinal detachment, in which the vitreous body is drained from the interior of the eye and refilled with an oily mixture (by refilling, the retina reattaches itself to the back of the eye).
Tear substitutes also consist largely of hyaluronic acid. These medications are used whenever the eye cannot produce enough tear fluid itself and the eye surface begins to dry out. Here too, the long-lasting lubricity of hyaluronic acid is used.
UrologyMostly also tested in studies, preparations containing hyaluronic acid are used in urology. In cases of stress or urge incontinence, surgical attempts are made to inject around the patient’s urethra. It is hoped that the viscosity of the hyaluronic acid will prevent the dilation of the urethra and constrict the lumen.
Long-term success of this method is still to be seen. It will be many years before widespread use in urology is possible. Plastic SurgeryIn plastic and reconstructive surgery, hyaluronic acid is used wherever body regions need to be filled up and the patient’s own fat cannot be used.
Especially when injecting the lips and the breast, hyaluronan-containing preparations are used. But hyaluron-containing substances are also injected in repeated sessions to smooth the skin and wrinkles. As in orthopedics, there is a risk of infection, reddening of the injection site and allergic reactions, despite routine procedures.
In orthopedics as well as in urology or in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, treatment with hyaluronic acid is in most cases not covered by health insurance and must be paid for by the patient. In plastic surgery this can result in several hundred to thousand EUR. Depending on the number of injections administered, a few hundred € in orthopedics and a few thousand € in urology during surgery.
