Platelet rich plasma (PRP) enhances anabolic gene expression patterns in flexor digitorum superficialis tendons.

The research investigated how platelet rich plasma (PRP) can enhance the expressions of anabolic genes in equine flexor digitorum superficialis tendons, potentially supporting PRP’s use in treating tendonitis.

Introduction and Methodology

• This investigation focused on the use of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) in tissue regeneration, leveraging the rich supply of growth factors released from platelet alpha granules. PRP, along with other blood products, were examined in relation to the gene expression patterns, DNA and collagen content of equine flexor digitorum superficialis tendon (SDFT) explants.
• Aside from PRP, other blood derivatives like plasma, platelet poor plasma (PPP), and bone marrow aspirate (BMA) were harvested from the horses. These were prepared in a medium of serum-free DMEM with amino acids.
• The research quantified the presence of growth factors IGF-I, TFG-beta1, and PDGF-BB in all the tested blood products using the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) technique.
• Finally, the tendons were cultured in explant fashion with these blood products at varying concentrations namely 100%, 50%, and 10%.

Key Findings

• The results revealed that TGF-beta1 and PDGF-BB concentrations were higher in PRP when compared to the other blood products tested.
• The tendons cultured in 100% PRP exhibited an elevated gene expression of matrix molecules like collagen type I (COL1A1), collagen type III (COL3A1), and cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP).
• Interestingly, the enhanced gene expression did not cause an increase in catabolic molecules such as matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) and matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13).
• This supports the anabolic (building) rather than catabolic (breaking down) effect of PRP on tendon tissues.

Significance of the Research

• The findings from this research provide a promising foundation for further in vivo investigations of PRP as a patient-side treatment for tendonitis.
• The elevated gene expression of key matrix molecules in the presence of PRP suggests that PRP application may assist in the therapeutic recovery of damaged tissues in tendonitis.

Overall, the application of PRP appears to offer beneficial effects that support tissue regeneration and recovery, specifically in the context of tendon injuries, paving the way for subsequent studies on the potential use of PRP in healing and recovery modalities.