Autologous leukocyte-reduced platelet-rich plasma therapy for Achilles tendinopathy induced by collagenase in a rabbit model

Abstract

Leukocyte-reduced platelet-rich plasma (LR-PRP) is a therapy for tendinopathy of the Achilles tendon (TAT); however, there is scarce information regarding LR-PRP effects in rabbit models of TAT. We compared, at 4 and 12 weeks (w), the LR-PRP and placebo (PBS) effects on ultrasonography, histology and relative gene expression of collagen types I (COL1A1) and III (COL3A1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in 24 rabbits with TAT induced by collagenase. The rabbits (treated with both treatments) were euthanatised after either 4 or 12 w. A healthy group (HG (n = 6)) was included. At 4 and 12 w, the LR-PRP group had a no statistically different histology score to the HG. At w 4, the COL1A1 expression was significantly higher in the LR-PRP group when compared to HG, and the expression of COL3A1from both LR-PRP and PBS-treated tendons was significantly higher when compared to the HG. At w 12, the expression of COL3A1 remained significantly higher in the PBS group in comparison to the LR-PRP group and the HG. At w 4, the LR-PRP group presented a significantly higher expression of VEGF when compared to the PBS group and the HG. In conclusion, LR-PRP treatment showed regenerative properties in rabbits with TAT.

Release of pro-inflammatory cytokines from muscle and bone causes tenocyte death in a novel rotator cuff in vitro explant culture model

“…Animal models have been used extensively to study the onset of tendinopathy through overuse exercise of the tendon itself, 6 induced inflammation of the tendon and joint via injection of cytokines and drugs, 7,8 and unloading of rotator cuff muscles via botox injection, immobilization or nerve transection. 9-14 Animal models provide several advantages over other models, primarily the ability to manipulate mechanical forces externally without disrupting native tendon architecture or the junctions with muscle and bone, which are known to be critically important to tendon function.…”

Effect of leukocyte-reduced platelet-rich plasma on osteoarthritis caused by cranial cruciate ligament rupture: A canine gait analysis model

“…Recent reports have shown that the presence of leukocytes in PRP preparations may be detrimental to healing, due to their involvement in the inflammatory response [ 27 ] causing loss of pain relief efficacy [ 28 ]. We avoided this complication, because our PRP was prepared with nearly complete absence of leukocytes.…”

Achilles Tendinopathy: Current Concepts about the Basic Science and Clinical Treatments

“…Animal studies indicated that PRP could increase the expression of collagen types I and III and vascular endothelial growth factor and improve the healing and remodeling process of the tendon [76, 77]. A lot of studies demonstrating improved tendon healing using PRP compared with controls, but controversial clinical results exist when using PRP to treat Achilles tendinopathy [78–84].…”