A lot of extensive clinical studies have confirmed that Hyaluronic acid (Hyaluronan, HA) has amazingly diverse and beneficial biologic roles in the body and is produced throughout human life. It participates in the regulation of cell behavior during embryonic development, as well as in the processes of inflammation and tumor development.

There, however, have been some rumors that the use of this naturally occurring and incredibly useful substance might in a way contribute to cancer development. These profoundly condemnatory and obviously unfounded are most probably provoked by the findings that a hyaluronan-rich environment often correlates with tumor progression. It is quite normal and understandable to be cautious and react repulsively when you hear such charges. However, one has to be very careful and insightful to research and understand that does not mean a causative relationship.

The difference between cause and association must be definitively distinguished and clearly emphasized. The medical literature is abundant with evidence that HA is a healing agent and its higher levels are connected with the reaction of the organism against any wound, or invasion in the body, including the spread of tumors. So, it should be treated more like a natural defensive mechanism against the tumor, rather than its cause.

There are many reports and clinical studies indicating the beneficial effects of HA applications, whereas no data support the claim that medical HA products cause cancer. Recent research highlights that the interactions between hyaluronan and tumor cells indicate a possibility of new therapeutic strategies and would even offer a new anti-cancer strategy.

Does hyaluronic acid contribute to cancer?

Hyaluronic acid or hyaluronan (HA) is perhaps one of the most uncomplicated large polymers that regulate several normal physiological processes and, at the same time, contribute to the manifestation of a variety of chronic and acute diseases, including cancer.

Does hyaluronic acid prevent cancer?

Hyaluronic (HA) acid has been widely used in the delivery of anticancer drugs due to its excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability, and specific targeting of cancer cells.

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The main features of the chemical structure of hyaluronan were revealed by Karl Mayer and his research team in the 1950s. This incredibly useful biopolysacharide, considered the simplest glycosaminoglycan, is a type of long, linear, unbranched polymer composed of a repeating disaccharide unit consisting of two monosaccharides (ß(1,4)-N-acetyl-D-glucosamine and ß(1,3)-D-glucuronic acid). The term “hyaluronan” was introduced in 1986 to comply with the international nomenclature of polysaccharides.

Extensive studies have confirmed that this amazing chemical compound is distributed widely and naturally present in all living organisms, bacteria, and vertebrates. In addition, it plays an important physiological role in the human body, being concentrated mainly in the connective, epithelial, and neural tissues. HA has been isolated from various sources and its properties and functions have been studied in a wide range of research centers and laboratories.

Hyaluronic Acid has become famous mainly for its anti-aging effect and is promoted as a “fountain of youth.” But in fact, there is much more in addition to that.

Due to its unique viscoelastic nature, among the range of the most important biological functions of sodium hyaluronate are regulation of tissue hydration, maintenance of the elastoviscosity of liquid connective tissues such as joint synovial and eye vitreous fluid, numerous crucial roles in cell division, and the process of inflammation, just to mention a few.

Characteristics of vital significance, such as biocompatibility and non-immunogenicity, make this exceptional substance the perfect biomaterial for cosmetic, medical, and pharmaceutical applications.

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