For a long time, scientists did not fully know what role sodium hyaluronate plays in cells. To date, the secret has been revealed, the substance is used with great success for medical and cosmetic purposes.
Sodium Hyaluronate: General Information
For the first time, the name of a substance isolated from the vitreous body of the eye was given in 1934. Absolutely identical to the human polysaccharide, the sodium polymer hyaluronate (hyaluronan) consists of identical chains that are connected by glycosidic bridges (β – 1.4 and β – 1.3). It is a structural neutral component of the skin that retains moisture. In addition, hyaluronate is found in the nervous and connective tissue, in biological fluids and in cartilage.
The properties of sodium hyaluronate began to be studied in the 50s of the last century. The interest of scientists caused a change in the content of the substance during the development of various diseases (especially joints). The norms of concentration in the blood of a healthy person and with the onset of pathology were established. The determining signal for the development of the inflammatory process was an increase in the content of hyaluronate not only in the focus of the disease, but also in the circulatory system.
Areas of use
Hyaluronic acid is used in medical practice to treat tissues that contain a similar substance. In the field of ophthalmology, it is used during the diagnosis of retinal diseases, operations and in the postoperative period. Sodium hyaluronate has proven itself to treat dry eye syndrome. Preparations based on it quickly eliminate discomfort, and a positive result of therapy persists for a long time.
Due to the content of sodium hyaluronate in the synovial fluid, its artificially derived analogue is used to restore the motor functions of the joints in degenerative-dystrophic pathologies. The substance took a special place in plastic surgery and cosmetic skin care. Most aesthetic problems on the face are solved by subcutaneous administration of drugs, which include sodium hyaluronate. Reviews about various tools and procedural methods are only positive.
Research
The effectiveness of sodium hyaluronate injections has been actively studied since the end of the last century. The results were very vague, and scientists came to the conclusion that the medicinal properties of the substance are not much different from placebo. This result did not satisfy the scientific staff, and research continued. Already in 2006, a new conclusion was presented to the public, according to which positive results of therapy and confirmation of a decrease in pain were recorded. Recent studies in 2012 showed the opposite side of hyaluronic acid administration: complete lack of improvement (more than 5000 patients), insignificant effect (1149 people) and the risk of worsening of the condition and side effects (about 4000). Unambiguous conclusions have not been made, because in the studies they used a different form of sodium hyaluronate, and some participants (patients) did not fully receive therapy.
Joint treatment
Due to the aging of the body, the synovial fluid gradually loses its special viscoelastic property, the substance covering the cartilage becomes thinner. Over time, an inflammatory process develops in the joints, swelling and pain appear. As a result, motor functions are impaired, and a person may even lose their ability to work. Thanks to scientific discoveries, sodium hyaluronate for joints has become a real salvation: it not only relieved pain, but also stimulated its own production of substances, thereby slowing down the development of arthrosis and osteoarthritis of the joints.
The therapeutic effect is to restore the necessary concentration of long molecules by injection. The course of therapy (usually 2 weeks) is carried out as an alternative method when the patient is contraindicated in a group of non-alcoholic drugs or corticosteroids. The action of hyaluronic acid is not long in coming, and the patient soon feels relief of symptoms. The depreciation functions of the cartilage are restored and the pain recedes. Depending on the severity of the disease, the next procedure for the administration of the substance can be prescribed after 6 or 12 months.
Hyaluronic Acid Preparations
Intra-articular administration of drugs based on sodium hyaluronate is preferable and more effective than oral administration of drugs in the form of tablets. In addition, there is no effect on the gastrointestinal tract.
The most common drugs based on sodium hyaluronate are:
- Ostenil (Germany).
- "Aistil" (sodium hyaluronate for the eyes in the form of drops, Italy).
- “Fermatron (Great Britain).
- Sinokrom (Germany).
- “Adant (Japan).
- Suplazin (Ireland).
- "Gialgan Phidia" (Italy).
- "Viscosil" (Germany).
The cost of drugs varies over a wide range and depends on the manufacturer and the volume of the active ingredient.
Ostenil for the treatment of osteoarthrosis
The well-proven Ostenil preparation contains sodium hyaluronate (1% or 2%), which is produced by fermentation of Streptococcus equi bacteria. Due to the absence of animal protein, the development of an allergic reaction is excluded. Available in a disposable syringe with a volume of 10 and 20 mg. The price is about 3500 rubles.
"Ostenil" inhibits the inflammatory process in the synovial membrane and increases its viscosity, which helps to restore functioning. To achieve a positive result, it is necessary to inject (1 dose) with an interval of 7 days. The course of therapy is 3-5 weeks. Most patients noted a decrease in pain in the joints for a period of 5-8 months, after which it was necessary to carry out the next injection of the drug.
"Sinokrom" to help the joints
The implant contains a highly purified active substance - sodium hyaluronate. A 2% release option is suitable for the treatment of large joints, such as the hip. A lower dosage is used for areas of lesser damage. For a shortened course, it is convenient to use a release form with prolonged action - “Sinokrom Forte”, which is involved in metabolic processes. The tool is intended to treat and relieve symptoms of osteoarthrosis of various localization. The effect of therapy lasts much longer compared to similar drugs.
Sinokrom passed clinical trials, during which its healing properties were confirmed. Side effects and an allergic reaction appeared extremely rarely. In most patients, the effect remained after 12 months.
special instructions
To carry out the procedure for the introduction of drugs, which are based on sodium hyaluronate, it is necessary to ensure appropriate sterile conditions. Particular attention is paid to the packaging and the syringe itself - it must be tightly closed. The drug remaining after injection cannot be stored. To save money, you must purchase the correct dosage, according to the doctor’s instructions.
Drugs are prohibited for children under 18 years of age and women during pregnancy. In rare cases, side effects may occur: pain at the injection site, redness, slight swelling, allergic rash. If the manifestation of such symptoms does not stop, the drug is replaced by another. To preserve the healing properties, hyaluronic acid is stored at a temperature of 0–10 ° C, in a dark place. The syringe with a needle is not subject to further use, it must be disposed of.
Hyaluronic acid in cosmetology
After 25 years, the amount of hyaluronate produced in the epidermis is reduced, and the skin loses its freshness, shine, natural attractiveness, the first wrinkles appear, and women begin to seek moisturizing creams for help. Not all of them provide the necessary level of hydration and relieve the first signs of aging.
Sodium hyaluronate in cosmetology is used as an anti-aging agent, or, as it is also called, an “elixir of youth”. Unlike other substances, "hyaluron" gives a quick and, most important, positive result. Salons offer the introduction of drugs directly to the "problem areas". The result of this procedure will be visible after the first session. The action of hyaluronic acid is as follows:
- Reduces the rate of evaporation of water from the epidermis.
- It retains moisture in the skin.
- Creates a protective film that resists the aggressive effects of the environment.
- Makes dry and flaky skin as hydrated as possible.
- Fills indentations in wrinkle areas.
- Returns elasticity.
- Contributes to the healing process of wounds.
For cosmetic purposes, low molecular weight sodium hyaluronate (capable of penetrating deep into the skin) and high molecular weight (creates a protective film on the surface) are used. Both types are used in creams, lotions, tonics, masks.
Salon "beauty injections"
Today, hypodermic hyaluronic acid is used to change facial contours and smooth wrinkles. The method is safe and has no side effects, thanks to a preliminary test for sensitivity to the drug (filler). It should be borne in mind that the frequent use of such procedures helps to reduce the production of one's own (natural) hyaluronan. Therefore, it is important to choose the right dosage and maintain the prescribed interval between injections.
The following procedures with “hyaluron” are in demand in the salons:
- Mesotherapy - is carried out if necessary to remove puffiness and circles under the eyes, to hide defects in the nasolabial triangle and other indications. Introduced subcutaneously, the gel fills the voids and thereby restores the former volume in the problem place. The cost of the procedure depends on the selected filler.
- Biorevitalization - differs from the previous version in that almost pure sodium hyaluronate is used for injection. In cosmetology, this method is gaining momentum thanks to amazing results after the first rejuvenation session. On the financial side, this option is somewhat more expensive than mesotherapy.
- Hyaluronic plastic (contour) is a method of changing the contours (forms) of the face and individual parts, lip augmentation. You can apply vector bio-reinforcement (creating a framework that preserves the shape of the face after resorption of sodium hyaluronate), bolus correction (injection of drugs into the deeper layers of the skin).
Correctly determine the choice of procedure will help a qualified specialist.
How to use hyaluronic acid at home?
It is not always possible to attend expensive procedures in beauty salons. Therefore, many women use a home-made recipe for skin rejuvenation with sodium hyaluronate. To do this, you need to purchase the active substance in a powder or in the form of sodium salt in a pharmacy or online store. In 30 ml of purified warm water we breed "hyaluron" (enough at the tip of a teaspoon). Mix and leave for 20 minutes until gel formation. Then we collect the resulting mass into a syringe and store in the refrigerator.
The gel is applied to cleansed skin or to separate areas requiring adjustment. A thin layer at first resembles a film, but after a while it is completely absorbed. After this, you need to moisturize your face well with a cream.