The use of growth factors released from PRP therapy for tissue remodeling is reported as a promising method for treating cartilage injuries, via the influence of healing. It has also been documented that PRP treatment also contains anti-inflammatory agents, one being Human Growth Factor.
Platelet Rich Plasma and Its Growth Factors
It has been observed that released growth factors increase growth and tissue reconstruction, as well as the glycosamin (cartilage structure) and collagen content. This treatment has also been shown to be beneficial on the effects on cartilage reconstruction. It has also been considered that the growth factors involved may be the future protagonists in clinical trials on cartilage regeneration.
Several important studies on the use of PRP for knee osteoarthritis have reported promising clinical results regarding pain reduction, functional improvement, return to daily living and sports activities and subsequent improvement in quality of life.
Recently, the use of PRP in cartilage injuries was chosen as the theme of an information bulletin by the International Cartilage Repair Society that included clinical trials and bibliographical reviews.
In a study of 40 patients affected by severe OA (osteoarthritis), received three injections of PRP, which were administered once a week. The final point was the significant pain relief, which was described by the reduction in the intensity of the pain in at least 30%, for at least 6 months after the treatment. The secondary outcomes included improvement of at least 30% in pain and incapacity. 57.5 % of the patients reported a clinically relevant reduction in pain. The study supports the safety and tolerance of the PRP injections for relief of pain and improvement of function in patients with OA.
The basic science, the pre-clinical studies and the clinical studies indicate, collectively, that PRP is a promising treatment for lesions of cartilage and pain in our joints. Although the mechanism of action of PRP is not completely clear, at this moment, studies suggest that there is an anabolic effect on the local cells, as well as an anti-inflammatory effect by means of the regulation of the known catabolic route of signalization.