Moving toward targeting the right phenotype with the right platelet-rich plasma (PRP) formulation for knee osteoarthritis.

Intra-articular injections of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and other novel blood-derived products developed specifically for osteoarthritis (OA) can provide pain relief and potential benefits in disease progression. Meta-analyses show the clinical superiority of PRP compared with other intra-articular injections, but results are modest and the effect sizes are small. PRP injections in knee OA are performed indiscriminately, but the clinical response varies enormously between patients because of an array of mixed OA phenotypes.

Freeze-Drying of Platelet-Rich Plasma: The Quest for Standardization.

The complex biology of platelets and their involvement in tissue repair and inflammation have inspired the development of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapies for a broad array of medical needs. However, clinical advances are hampered by the fact that PRP products, doses and treatment protocols are far from being standardized. Freeze-drying PRP (FD-PRP) preserves platelet function, cytokine concentration and functionality, and has been proposed as a consistent method for product standardization and fabrication of an off-the-shelf product with improved stability and readiness for future uses.

How far have biological therapies come in regenerative sports medicine?

Introduction: Regular engagement in sports produces many health benefits, but also exposes to increased injury risk. The quality of medical care available is crucial not only for sports trauma but also to avoid overuse syndromes and post-traumatic degenerative conditions.

Areas Covered: We provide background information on some clinical needs in sport injuries and describe the main families of biological products used in clinical practice.

Platelet-rich Plasma and Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Exciting, But … are we there Yet?

Joint conditions incapacitate free movement driving to a sedentary lifestyle, a major risk factor for chronic diseases. Regenerative procedures, involving the use of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells along with platelet-rich plasma (PRP), can help patients with these conditions. We describe the main characteristics of cellular products (bone marrow concentrate, stromal vascular fraction of adipose tissue, and mesenchymal stem/stromal cells derived from these tissues), and the potential benefits of combination with PRP in 3 scenarios: PRP lysates used during laboratory cell expansion; PRP to prime cellular products or the host tissue before cell implantation; PRP used as a vehicle for cell transplantation and to provide trophic signals.

Advances with platelet rich plasma therapies for tendon regeneration.

Introduction: PRPs can be used in the management of tendinopathy if we improve our understanding of pathophysiology and to integrate molecular knowledge about PRP participation in healing mechanisms.

Areas Covered: We provide new insights into the pathophysiology of tendinopathy, PRP therapies, and the potential links between both. We discuss the place of PRP in promoting tendon repair within what is currently understood regarding the role of PRP molecules in promoting tendon regeneration.