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Target intelligence / Profile preview
Synovial fluid lubricant (PRG4 (for lubricin); HA (for hyaluronan))
- Target
- PRG4 (for lubricin); HA (for hyaluronan)
- Molecular classification
- Glycoprotein (for lubricin/PRG4), Proteoglycan (for PRG4), Polysaccharide (for hyaluronan), Phospholipid (for surface-active phospholipids), Other
01
Overview
The synovial fluid lubricant system consists mainly of **lubricin (PRG4)**, **hyaluronic acid**, and **surface-active phospholipids**, secreted by synovial cells and chondrocytes. These lubricants work synergistically within the synovial fluid to reduce friction, absorb mechanical shock, transport nutrients and waste, and protect articular cartilage from wear during movement. Deficiency in these molecules is implicated in joint diseases like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and therapies aim to replace or augment synovial fluid lubricants to restore joint function.
- Other names
- Synovial lubricantjoint lubricantlubricin (PRG4)hyaluronanhyaluronic acidproteoglycan 4
02
Mechanism of action
Restoration of joint lubrication and shock absorption Reduction of friction and wear at articular cartilage surfaces
03
Biological functions
Friction reductionBoundary-layer lubricationShock absorptionNutrient and waste transportMolecular sievingJoint protection
04
Disease associations
Arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis)InflammationOther joint disorders
05
Safety considerations
Viscosupplementation injections: local pain, inflammation, rare allergic reactionsPotential immunogenicity of exogenous lubricantsLack of long-term efficacy in some patients
06
Interacting drugs
Hyaluronic acid injections (viscosupplementation therapy)
1 more in the full profile.
07
Biomarkers
Lubricin concentration in synovial fluidHyaluronan concentration in synovial fluid
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