Platelet-Rich Fibrin Facilitates Rabbit Meniscal Repair by Promoting Meniscocytes Proliferation, Migration, and Extracellular Matrix Synthesis

Abstract

Although platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) has been used in clinical practice for some time, to date, few studies reveal its role as a bioactive scaffold in facilitating meniscal repair. Here, the positive anabolic effects of PRF on meniscocytes harvested from the primary culture of a rabbit meniscus were revealed. The rabbit meniscocytes were cultured with different concentrations of PRF-conditioned medium, and were evaluated for their ability to stimulate cell migration, proliferation, and extracellular matrix formation. In vivo, meniscal defects were created via an established rabbit animal model and were evaluated by a histology-based four-stage scoring system to validate the treatment outcome three months postoperatively. The in vitro results showed that PRF could induce cellular migration and promote proliferation and meniscocyte extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis of cultured meniscocytes. In addition, PRF increased the formation and deposition of cartilaginous matrix produced by cultured meniscocytes. Morphological and histological evaluations demonstrated that PRF could facilitate rabbit meniscal repair. The data highlight the potential utility of using PRF in augmenting the healing of meniscal injuries. These advantages would benefit clinical translation, and are a potential new treatment strategy for meniscal repair.

Platelet-Rich Fibrin Facilitates One-Stage Cartilage Repair by Promoting Chondrocytes Viability, Migration, and Matrix Synthesis

“…The bioactivity and chemotactic effect of PRF on cell recruitment and migration is crucial to the development of our one-stage, culture-free, and scaffold-based approach. In previous studies, the efficacy of PRF chemotaxis at both the cellular and tissue levels has been investigated, showing that PRF can promote rabbit meniscocyte and chondrocyte migration, similar to that seen when using platelet-rich plasma [25,27,32]. These results were also consistent with studies performed on rabbit and goat models [6,33].…”

“…No additional activation steps are required, and the release of growth factors from PRF can be steadily sustained [24]. The effects of PRF in facilitating rabbit meniscal and cartilage repairs have been documented in [6,[25][26][27] however, the relatively small joint size, thin cartilage layer, and great potential for intrinsic healing have limited the translational value for this one-stage cartilage treatment method.…”

Plateletten zengin fibrinin iyileşme ve rejenerasyon sürecindeki rolü ve ortopedik cerrahide kullanımına dair bir derleme

“…Positive anabolic effects of PRF on meniscocytes harvested from the primary culture of a rabbit meniscus were reported in vitro in terms of cell migration, proliferation, and extracellular matrix formation (58). In addition, efficacy of PRF on facilitation of meniscal repair was shown in a rabbit model of meniscal defects with significantly improved quality of meniscal healing noted in the PRF-augmented suture vs. non-suture or suture-only groups (58). Hence, the potential utility of PRF-based therapeutic approach has been suggested in augmenting the healing of meniscal injuries in clinical practice (58).…”

Cell-Free Strategies for Repair and Regeneration of Meniscus Injuries through the Recruitment of Endogenous Stem/Progenitor Cells

“…Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is also being used in clinical practice [ 66 – 68 ]. Wong et al showed that PRF enhanced cellular migration and promoted both meniscocyte proliferation and meniscocyte ECM secretion in vitro [ 69 ]. PRF has also been proven to promote meniscal repair in a rabbit meniscal defect model.…”

“…They showed that the application of 2.5%–30% PRP or 10% HS resulted in meniscal cell recruitment in both groups [ 91 ]. Similarly, Wong et al showed that platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) could promote cellular migration and enhance both the proliferation and ECM synthesis of meniscocytes [ 69 ]. PRF is an autogenous fibrin-based biomaterial.…”