Description
Sodium hyaluronate, the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid (HA), is a non-sulphated glycosaminoglycan (GAG) which is present in many body tissues including connective tissue and skin and in synovial (joint) fluid in very high concentrations. HA provides visco-elastic properties to joint fluid and functions as a lubricant.
In joint disease, inflammation leads to the accumulation of inflammatory cells and degradative enzymes in the joint fluid which break down HA.
The loss of HA results in lowered viscosity of the joint fluid and further influx of inflammatory cells, leading to further cartilage damage and worsening joint disease. Supplementation of sodium hyaluronate helps to replace HA lost as a result of joint disease and thereby restores lubrication of the joint, reduces inflammatory infiltrates and minimises ongoing damage.
