Platelet-rich plasma enhances proliferation and migration and inhibits inflammatory processes in canine chondrocytes

This study was performed to assess the anti-inflammatory and cartilage regenerative effects of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on canine chondrocytes. Proliferation and migration assays under both normal and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory conditions were performed with various concentrations of PRP (1% to 10%). The expression levels of genes related to osteoarthritis were evaluated in the following groups: PRP group, LPS group and LPS + PRP group. mRNA expression levels were detected using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Proliferation assays showed significantly enhanced proliferation in all PRP-treated groups compared with the no serum group. Compared with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS), PRP concentrations above 3% in the normal condition and 1% to 7% PRP in the LPS-induced inflammatory condition were found to significantly promote chondrocyte proliferation. In the normal condition, all PRP-treated groups showed significantly increased cell migration compared with the no serum group. Chondrocyte migration was decreased with LPS-induced inflammation, but PRP treatment resulted in significantly enhanced migration compared with the other groups in this condition. According to RT-PCR, the LPS + PRP group showed significantly higher levels of COL1A1, IL-6, aggrecan and lower levels of TNF-α, MMP-1, MMP-3 mRNA expression compared to the LPS group. The results of this study suggest that PRP application can enhance the proliferation and migration of canine chondrocytes and improve canine articular cartilage regeneration.