The innovation of Hyaluronic acid is becoming the supporting pillar of modern medicinal developments. You cannot deny its role in ophthalmology, rheumatology, and other areas. In this article, you will learn how the interesting molecule helps in the betterment of the health of people.
Be it eye surgery or treating joint health, Hyaluronic acid has proven to be useful in several areas of medicine. Though discovered in 1935 by K. Meyer and J. Palmer, Hyaluronic acid (HA) has only recently gained popularity in the medical field due to its ability to retain water and offer tissues the needed structural support.
In the initial days, HA used to be extracted from animal bodies, but now it is extracted from safer sources. Modern development in science has led to the extraction of HA through bacterial fermentation. As a result, a purer form of Hyaluronic acid can be extracted that can be used for medical purposes.
So, let’s understand how the molecule works and its benefits to human beings.
What is Hyaluronic Acid and How Does It Work?
Our human body naturally produces this wonderful molecule. The naturally occurring element (or starch) belongs to the glycosaminoglycan family. It is composed of two repeating disaccharide units that contain D-glucuronic acid and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine.
The composition of the naturally occurring element is the main reason that it is able to retain a large amount of water, and it maintains tissue hydration.
There are various uses of HA. It helps in building extracellular matrices by interacting with other molecules like proteoglycans, collagen, and elastin.
Why is Hyaluronic Acid Considered Groundbreaking ?
The application of hyaluronic acid cannot be limited to a singular area. The naturally occurring element offers safety when used in medicinal and other areas. HA is used when surgically operating on a cataract, relieving knee pain, in regenerative medicine, and in other areas.
The wide application of the element makes it a truly ground breaking element. Moreover, the human body does not reject the application of HA. Because the body naturally produces it. So, doctors can use it in medical applications and avoid invasive procedures.
How is Hyaluronic Acid Applied in Different Medical Fields?
Artificially, HA can be used in different areas of medicine, and it has several benefits. From orthopaedics, ophthalmology, to aesthetic medicines, the element can be used in different areas.
a) Orthopedics & Sports Medicine
Hyaluronic acid injection in the intra-articular region is a common practice in the medical field. The injection is an effective method to increase joint mobility by increasing lubricant in the area.
Besides, the hyaluronic acid works excellently in managing osteoarthritis. In sports medicine, HA is being used widely. When synovial fluid in the joint of players gets reduced due to excessive running or other usage, hyaluronic acid injection improves mobility and helps to reduce pain.
b) Ophthalmology
Hyaluronic acid is also useful in eye surgery and in other cases. For example, HA can be used in cataract surgery as a viscoelastic agent, which works as a protective layer to prevent damage to other eye tissues.
Your doctor may also suggest hyaluronic acid injection for knee pain if you or anyone is suffering from it.
Moreover, if you are experiencing dryness in your eyes, hyaluronic acid can be used as a lubricant and treat dry eye issues. Your doctor can advise you to use HA as an eye drop to treat eye dryness.
c) Dermatology & Aesthetics
One might ask – “What are the benefits of hyaluronic acid for skin?” Well, among all the advantages of hyaluronic acid, it also offers the benefit of enhancing the appearance of a person. This element has long been used in smoothing out wrinkles on your face and skin. The ability of the element to improve tissue structure and increase water retention has made it a go-to option for dermatologists to use in aesthetic medicines.
Hyaluronic acid-based extended fillers are also in demand in modern aesthetic medicine. The extended HA-based fillers are used in the skin that releases hyaluronic acid slowly in the skin, ensuring hydration and long-term improvement of skin structure.
d) Tissue Engineering & Regenerative Medicine
Hyaluronic acid is also used in regenerative medicine. Simple hydrogels, made of hyaluronic acid, are used to naturally stimulate tissue growth and improve the process of healing in wounded areas.
Benefits vs. Limitations of Hyaluronic Acid
There are several benefits of using hyaluronic acid. For example, hyaluronic acid can be used in the human body easily because the human body naturally produces it. So, the body does not reject it if used in the healing process of the body.
The non-toxic nature of the element makes it the ideal element to be used in surgery or in reducing joint pain by increasing lubrication in the joints. Most importantly, the element is useful in improving the quality of life, that too, without adopting any invasive procedures.
However, there are some limitations of the element as well. The effects of the HA when used in aesthetic treatment may be temporary. The HA fillers used to treat wrinkles might need periodic replacement, which is costly. Hyaluronic injection is also needed to be applied in the joints periodically.
The Future of Hyaluronic Acid in Medical Science
The ability of hyaluronic acid to retain water and restructure tissues can pave the way to more advanced care for patients in the future. The element can be used to manufacture advanced biomaterials that can be used in delivering superior patient care.
Besides, the element can become a key element in developing nanotechnology-based treatment. The element is not toxic, and the human body does not reject it as a foreign body.
Conclusion
Hyaluronic acid has its application in the field of aesthetic treatment and also in medical care. The wide application of the naturally occurring element in medical science has established itself as a miracle element.Doctors use it to reduce joint pain and increase lubrication in the joints by giving hyaluronic acid injections. On the other hand, it is used in treating wrinkles on the skin of human beings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Does Hyaluronic Acid Help in Skin Rejuvenation?
Hyaluronic acid fillers can be used to remove wrinkles on the skin. Besides, it can be taken in combination with Botox injections to increase the effect of Botox injections in treating skin wrinkles.A study has shown that applying hyaluronic acid locally to the skin also improves skin wrinkles, skin plumping, and hydration.
Does Hyaluronic Acid Help in Managing Acne?
Hyaluronic may not help in treating acne or reducing its occurrence on your skin. However, you can apply it to your skin to help treat the scars left by acne.
Are There Any Side Effects of Using Hyaluronic Acid?
It is naturally produced in the human body, so it does not cause any side effects to the body. However, in rare cases, one might see some allergic reactions like redness, pain, itching, and other symptoms.
Is It Safe to Use Hyaluronic Acid for a Pregnant Woman?
Research on the safety of hyaluronic acid during pregnancy and lactation is insufficient. Consequently, it is usually advised to refrain from using it unless specifically prescribed by a medical practitioner.
