Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring polysaccharide with many molecular functions, including maintaining the structure and physiology of the tissues, tissue remodeling, and inflammation. HA is found naturally in physiological tear fluid, possesses excellent mucus-layer-adhesive properties, and is successfully employed in the treatment of dry eye syndrome (DES). However, HA has as major drawback: its rapid in vivo degradation by hyaluronidase. We report on a unique material, namely, HA-3, obtained by the functionalization of HA with the metalloproteinase inhibitor 3 (MMPI). This material is characterized by an increased resistance to hyaluronidase degradation, associated with MMP inhibition properties. The ability of HA-3 to prevent dehydration of human corneal epithelial cells in vitro and in vivo may accelerate the development of more efficient DES treatment and broaden the application of HA in human diseases.

中文翻译：

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用于“原位”基质金属蛋白酶抑制的功能化透明质酸：一种治疗干眼症的生物活性材料

透明质酸 (HA) 是一种天然存在的多糖，具有许多分子功能，包括维持组织的结构和生理、组织重塑和炎症。HA 天然存在于生理性泪液中，具有优异的粘液层粘附性能，已成功用于治疗干眼症 (DES)。然而，HA 有一个主要缺点：它在体内被透明质酸酶快速降解。我们报告了一种独特的材料，即 HA - 3，它是通过金属蛋白酶抑制剂3 (MMPI) 对 HA 进行功能化而获得的。这种材料的特点是增强了对透明质酸酶降解的抵抗力，这与 MMP 抑制特性有关。HA- 3的能力在体外和体内防止人角膜上皮细胞脱水可能会加速开发更有效的 DES 治疗并拓宽 HA 在人类疾病中的应用。