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Table 2 Summary of the findings from in vitro and in vivo evidence concerning the application of PRP in cartilage pathology

From: Platelet-rich plasma to treat ankle cartilage pathology - from translational potential to clinical evidence: a systematic review

IN VITRO EVIDENCE

PRP EFFECTS ON…

Chondrocytes culture [ 3 , 25 - 27 ]

- Increase chondrocyte proliferation rate

- Stimulate chondrocyte phenotype expression and mainteinance

- Increase matrix molecules production

- Overall reduction of inflammatory response

Condrocytes + MSC culture [ 3 , 29 ]

- Promotion of MSCs proliferation, adhesion and migration

- Increased expression of Collagen II

Synovial Cells culture [ 3 , 28 ]

- Anti or pro-flogistic effects demonstrated, according to the particular PRP formulation used

Meniscal cells culture [ 3 , 30 ]

- Increase in meniscal cell proliferation rate

- Stimulation of GAG synthesis

Stem Cells culture [ 3 , 24 , 29 ]

- Stimulation of migration and chondrogenic differentiation of cortico-spongious bone cells

- Superior chondrogenic differentiation of BMSCs

- Enhanced proliferation rate and retained chondrogenic differentiation potential of ADMSCs

- Increase in proliferation and migration induction of peripheral blood and umbilical cord blood MSCs

Bacterial culture [ 40 ]

- PRP is able to provide an early protection against bacterial contamination due to the release of antimicrobial proteins

ANIMAL MODELS

PRP EFFECTS ON…

Rats [ 31 ]

- In chondral lesion model: PRP improves tissue healing and collagen II expression

- In OA model: controversial results regarding chondroprotective effects

Rabbit [ 32 , 33 , 36 ]

- In Osteochondral lesion: no macroscopic, microscopic and biomechanical benefit after PRP administration

- In OA model: positive influence on cartilage degeneration process (especially in moderate OA)

Sheep [ 35 ]

- In chondral lesion model: improvement in macroscopic, histologic, and biomechanical cartilage scores. Beneficial effects also when applied together with microfractures

Pig [ 37 ]

- In Rheumatoid Arthritis model: overall reduction in pro-flogistic enzymes and molecules; chondroprotective effect

Horse [ 34 ]

- In OA model: positive modulation of joint homeostasis, with reduction of lameness and joint effusion up to middle term evaluation