The Effect of Ex-Vivo Hyaluronic Acid on Myofibroblast and Collagen in Dupuytren Disease

Background: Dupuytren disease (DD) is characterised by increased myofibroblast/fibroblast activity and type3/type1 collagen ratios. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is major component of the extracellular matrix and some studies have showed that HA limits myofibroblast activity and decreases type3/type1 collagen ratio. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of the ex-vivo application of HA on cultured fibroblasts obtained from normal and diseased tissue from patients with DD. This is the initial step towards defining the use of HA as a new approach for medical treatment of DD. Methods: Tissue samples were obtained from both healthy forearm (C) and unhealthy palmar (D) fascia of patients undergoing surgery for DD. Tissue samples were cultured and divided into four groups depending on the addition of HA [C(HA−), C(HA+), D(HA−) and D(HA+)]. The tissues were evaluated using Western blot to detect effect of HA on myofibroblast (by measuring alpha smooth muscle actin [α-SMA) and on the ratio of type3/type1 collagen by measuring collagen type1 alpha 1 Chain (COL1A1) and collagen type3 alpha 1 Chain (COL3A1). Results: The rate of the average α-SMA value in the D(HA+) group was significantly lower compared to that of the D(HA−) group. The average ratio of type3/type1 collagen in the D(HA+) group was significantly lower compared to the D(HA−) group. Conclusions: The ex-vivo application of HA on cultured fibroblasts obtained from patients with DD resulted in a decrease in myofibroblast/fibroblast activity and type3/type1 collagen ratios. This may pave the way for clinical application of HA in the treatment of DD.