This trial demonstrates encouraging preliminary 6 month findings, using strict categorical success criteria, for intradiscal PRP as a treatment for presumed discogenic low back pain. Randomized placebo controlled trials are needed to further evaluate the efficacy of this treatment.

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Objective To evaluate the effects of SB 273005, a potent, orally active nonpeptide antagonist of the integrin αvβ3 vitronectin receptor, on joint integrity in rats with adjuvant‐induced arthritis (AIA). Methods Male Lewis rats with AIA were orally dosed either prophylactically (days 0–20) or therapeutically (days 10–20) with SB 273005. Efficacy was determined by measurement of paw inflammation, assessment of bone mineral density using dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry (DEXA), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and histologic evaluation. Results SB 273005 is a potent antagonist of the closely related integrins, αvβ3 (Ki = 1.2 nM) and αvβ5 (Ki = 0.3 nM). When SB 273005 was administered prophylactically to AIA rats twice per day, it inhibited paw edema at doses of 10, 30, and 60 mg/kg, by 40%, 50%, and 52%, respectively. Therapeutic administration twice daily was also effective, and a reduction in paw edema was observed at 30 mg/kg and 60 mg/kg of the antagonist (by 36% and 48%, respectively). SB 273005 was also effective when administered once per day, both prophylactically and therapeutically. Significant improvement in joint integrity in treated rats was shown using DEXA and MRI analyses. These findings were confirmed histologically, and significant protection of bone, cartilage, and soft tissue was observed within the joint. Conclusion Symptoms of AIA in rats were significantly reduced by either prophylactic or therapeutic treatment with the αvβ3 antagonist, SB 273005. Measurements of paw inflammation and of bone, cartilage, and soft tissue structure indicated that this compound exerts a protective effect on joint integrity and thus appears to have disease‐modifying properties.

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There is a significant amount of ossification of the menisci in the male Hartley guinea-pig, with the medial compartment showing more bone than the lateral. In addition, as the animals age, there is an increase in ossification within the medial compartment. Bone remodeling and cartilage degeneration is evident in the medial compartment within these animals as they age. It is possible that the increased ossification of the medial meniscus could alter the joint biomechanics and, in part, stimulate this medial compartment joint destruction.