Prospects for use of platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

The paper reviews the data available in the literature on the mechanisms of action of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and the experience of its use in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It defines the place of PRP in the systemic and local therapy of RA. The chemical composition of PRP and the structure of the platelet organelles included in it are described. An estimate is made for procedures to prepare platelet-rich plasma containing different concentrations of key growth factors, such as platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), transforming growth factor α (TGFα), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), insulin-like growth factor (IGF), and epidermal growth factor (EGF). The variants of PRP classifications, which take into account differences in the composition and levels of the growth factors, are considered. The experience with intra-articular injections of autologous plasma products in patients with RA and synovitis is analyzed. These findings lead to the conclusion that PRP therapy can be an effective tool to relieve inflammation and to stimulate local reparative processes in damaged joint tissues in patients with RA. Further study of the possibilities of using this method of therapy and the formation of a PRPtherapy protocol for patients with rheumatoid arthritis will provide effective personalized care to these patients.