Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2010, Vol. 14 ›› Issue (15): 6847-6850.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-8225.2010.15.044

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Hyaluronic acid content in fetal maxillofacial skin

Li Xiang-jun1, Xiao Tie-peng2, Ren Gui-yun1, Dong Fu-sheng1   

  1. 1 Department of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Stomatology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang   050017, Hebei Province, China; 2 Department of Orthodontics, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang   050011, Hebei Province, China
  • Online:2010-04-09 Published:2010-04-09
  • Contact: Dong Fu-sheng, Professor, Doctoral supervisor, Department of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Stomatology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, Hebei Province, China hblxj2000@yahoo.com.cn
  • About author:Li Xiang-jun☆, Studying for doctorate, Attending physician, Department of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Stomatology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, Hebei Province, China hblxj2000@yahoo.com.cn
  • Supported by:

    Hebei Provincial Programs for Science and Technology Development, No. 04276101D-81*; Special Foundation of Doctoral Research of Hebei Province, No. 03547003D*

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Abstract:

BACKGROUND: High level of hyaluronic acid (HA) in extracellular matrix of wounds has been shown to inhibit scar formation and scarless healing has been observed in fetal wounds. However, there is little information regarding HA content in fetal skin.
OBJECTIVE: To determine HA content in maxillofacial skin, as well as the changing tendency, and compare with other regions of skin. 
METHODS: The fetal skin of the maxillofacial region, back, belly, and inner part of leg were harvested from 32 aborted fetuses ranging from 3 to 8 months. All the samples were frozen immediately by liquid nitrogen and preserved at -80 ℃. Different month groups were designated according to skin regions. The samples were weighed and cut into pieces, then grinded into tissue homogenate. HA content in supernatant liquid of all the samples was detected using radioimmunoassay.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: In 3-8 month-old fetuses, HA content was (303.85±80.28) μg/g in the maxillofacial skin, (308.09±61.17) μg/g in the belly skin, (276.38±58.52) μg/g in the back skin, and (304.27±60.51) μg/g in the leg skin. HA content in the maxillofacial and back skin was higher in 3-5 month-old fetuses than in 6-8 month-old fetuses (P < 0.05). HA content in the leg skin was higher in the 3-6 month-old fetuses than in the 7-8 month-old fetuses (P < 0.05). HA content in all parts of skin was higher in fetuses than in adults. In all parts, there was a decline of HA content in the mid- and late- stages of pregnancy, but the decline time differed.

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