Quantification of hyaluronan in human fasciae and implication for myofascial pain and chondrosarcoma tumor invasiveness

Methods: This study was approved by the Institutional Ethical Review Board and the institute’s ethical regulations were followed. We collected samples from 15 healthy volunteers and 11 patients with chondrosarcoma. HA was directly quantified by Purple-Jelley-HA assay and indirectly investigated by the positivity of Hyaluronic-Acid-Binding-Protein. Finally, the expression of the hyaluronan-synthase HAS-2 has been evaluated by real-time RT-PCR. Results: We demonstrated the presence of considerable levels of HA in human fascia with differences depending on the area: the amount was about 43 μg/g in the aponeurotic fasciae. Levels decreased drastically (6 μg/g) in epimysial fasciae and increased in the retinacula (90.4 μg/g). These variations corresponded perfectly with the gliding functions of the fasciae. Surprisingly, no significant differences were detected as a function of age or sex.