Exploring the anti-inflammatory potential of topical hyaluronic acid for vocal fold injury in a rat model

Purpose Vocal fold injuries are associated with fibrosis and dysphonia, which is a major obstacle to surgical treatment. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of topical hyaluronic acid with or without diclofenac on the inflammatory phase of vocal fold wound healing. Methods Forty-one male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly assigned to four groups: an uninjured control group, an injured control group without any treatment, and two intervention groups in which hyaluronic acid with or without diclofenac was applied to the injured vocal fold. Gene expression of inflammatory markers and ECM-related molecules were examined. Results Vocal fold injury resulted in a significant upregulation of inflammatory parameters [ Ptgs2 , Il1b and Il10 ] and Has1 . Tgfb1 , Has3 and Eln gene expression were significantly downregulated by the topical application of hyaluronic acid. The combination of hyaluronic acid and diclofenac did not result in any significant changes. Conclusions Vocal fold wound healing was significantly improved by a single post-operative topical application of hyaluronic acid. The addition of diclofenac may provide no additional benefit.