Comparison of the Effect of Two Hyaluronic Acid Preparations on Fibroblast and Endothelial Cell Functions Related to Angiogenesis

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is used in substitutive and aesthetic medicine with various applications. Ultrapure absorbable HA (Bioregen(®)) and a mix of reticulated and free low molecular weight HA (Regenyal Idea Bioexpander(®)) (both provided by Regenyal Laboratories Srl, San Benedetto del Tronto (AP), Italy) represent a reliable hydrating device and skin filler, useful for skin blemishes, lines and wrinkles, and lip widening, respectively. The commercial products are known for their safety, but data on the molecular, cellular, and tissue responses are lacking. We aimed to evaluate the bioavailability and the pro-angiogenic features of the products Bioregen(®) and Bioexpander(®) in vitro on cultured endothelial cells (ECs) and dermal fibroblasts in vivo when injected into experimental animals. When added to fibroblasts and ECs, Bioexpander(®) induced cell migration. The two HA preparations were well tolerated, while a transient proangiogenic behavior of Bioexpander(®), when implanted subcutaneously in mice, was found. The neovascular response was evident in the first week with higher levels of VEGF and FGF-2 before undergoing regression. In conclusion, our data strengthen the safety of HA synthetic preparations both in vitro and in vivo. Even if a proangiogenic response is documented, it is modest and transient, leading to tissue recovery and absence of an inflammatory infiltrate.