A review on the experimental role of platelet-rich plasma as a biological stimulator for cartilage regeneration

Abstract

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a highly enriched combination of growth factors and pro-inflammatory cytokines which has shown success in cartilage healing. Furthermore, the fibrinogen in PRP may be triggered to produce a fibrin matrix to fill articular defects, so satisfying the basic needs of biological wound repair. The proliferative, anti-inflammatory, and scaffolding properties of PRP are discussed in this article obtained from laboratory experiments, observational studies, and clinical testing. PRP has been seen in culture to boost cell growth and calcareous matrix formation by osteocytes and mature mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), promote matrix release by synoviocytes, reduce interleukin-1-induced inflammatory, and offer a favorable platform for MSCs. PRP has been utilized in preclinical trials as a hydrogel to fill cartilage deficiencies with varying results, or to stop the course of disease in animal models with beneficial results. Existing medical study findings indicate that PRP may have the capacity to fill tissue defects to promote cartilage regeneration, alleviate arthritis symptoms, and boost joint mobility while maintaining a reasonable safety profile. Despite the fact that current data indicates to prefer PRP above hyaluronan for the management of pain, the effectiveness of PRP therapies is undetermined due to the very diverse character of published research and the varying content of PRP formulations. Future research will be needed to identify the functional group actions of specific PRP components in modifying certain disease pathways.