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| HMW hyaluronan | LMW hyaluronan |
|
| Contributes to the protective role of the glycocalyx, acts as a lubricant | Induces chemokine and cytokine secretion by infiltrating, mesothelial, renal tubular epithelial and endothelial cells |
| Transportation and distribution of plasma proteins | Induces phosphorylation of signaling pathways, for example, MAPK |
| Contributes to water balance and regulation of tissue hydration | Induces cell migration, for example, tumor cells |
| Contributes to tissue integrity and maintenance of epithelial cell phenotype | Induces cell proliferation in chondrocytes, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts |
| Protects against tissue damage by scavenging free radicals | Activates NFκB |
| Protects against apoptosis | Induces nitric oxide synthase |
| Antiangiogenic | Promotes angiogenesis |
| Inhibits phagocytosis by monocytes and macrophages | Increases matrix protein synthesis, for example, collagen type I |
| Anti-inflammatory, can inhibit activation of inflammatory cells | Increases transcription of matrix metalloproteinases |
| Promotes cell quiescence | Suppresses cell death and apoptosis in cell culture |
| Immunosuppressive (prevents ligand binding to surface receptors) | Induces heat-shock protein expression |
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