Platelet-rich plasma for managing pain and inflammation in osteoarthritis

Autologous blood products such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) are sources of molecules that can actively participate in tissue repairIn the joint, PRP affects local and infiltrating cells, mainly synovial cells (synoviocytes and macrophages), endothelial cells, cells involved in innate immunity, and cellular components of cartilage and bonePRP can alter many of the processes that are aberrant in patients with osteoarthritis (OA), including inflammation, angiogenesis, and the balance between anabolism and catabolism in cartilagePRP can modify the biological microenvironment that exists at different points in the disease process, and could, therefore, provide an opportunity to interfere with the self-perpetuating mechanisms of OAThe microenvironment in joints with OA varies between patients and disease stages; the different therapeutic effects of PRP might result from the specific milieu present in the jointHeterogeneity in PRP formulations and the way PRP is activated can generate uncertainty in the biological effects and clinical responses