New findings - how to treat non-healing wounds
Hyaluronan, also known as hyaluronic acid, is a natural polysaccharide with significant anti-inflammatory and protective properties. It is commonly used in the treatment of joint diseases, in ophthalmology and in cosmetics. However, its stability can be disturbed by reactive forms of oxygen that arise during certain chemical reactions, for example in the presence of copper and ascorbate.
"Our research focused on protecting hyaluronan from degradation using new compounds, the so-called Mn(III) porphyrins. These compounds have been tested for their antioxidant abilities and have been shown to neutralize harmful oxygen radicals and thus prevent the breakdown of hyaluronan. During the experiments, it was found that these compounds work on the principle of electron transfer, which effectively eliminates reactive substances that would otherwise cause damage," explains Katarína Valachová, head of the research team from the Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology of the Centre of Experimental Medicine SAS.
This discovery brings the potential for better tissue protection in the therapy of non-healing wounds, which may find use in medicine and industry. Ladislav Šoltés and Ivo Juránek from the Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology of the Centre of Experimental Medicine SAS also participated in the research. The Slovak team collaborated with Prof. Nuno Moura from Aveiro University in Portugal.
Foto: canva.com