Effects of intra-articular platelet-rich plasma on cartilage regeneration and osteoarthritis progression in a chemically induced rat mode
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Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the regenerative effects of intra-articular platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on cartilage regeneration and disease progression in a chemically induced osteoarthritic knee joint rat model.
Methods: This laboratory-based experimental study was conducted at the Department of Anatomy, Army Medical College, Rawalpindi (December 2019–October 2020). Ninety male Sprague-Dawley rats (2–3 months, 250 ± 50g) were randomly divided into three groups (n=30 each). Group A (control) received intra-articular saline (30µl). Groups B and C were induced with osteoarthritis via intra-articular injection of 1mg monosodium iodoacetate (MIA). Two weeks later, group C received 0.5 ml PRP, prepared by a double-spin centrifugation method and activated with calcium chloride. After 8 weeks, all animals were sacrificed. Articular cartilage specimens were processed, stained (H&E and toluidine blue), and analyzed for chondrocyte count, matrix loss, and cartilage surface integrity using Image J software. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA, Tukey’s test, and Chi-square, with p<0.05 considered significant.
Results: Group A showed normal articular cartilage (96.9 ± 1.75 chondrocytes). Group B demonstrated significant reduction in chondrocyte count (46.1 ± 1.9, p=0.000), matrix loss, and severe surface damage (p=0.001). In contrast, PRP-treated group C showed significant improvement in chondrocyte count (86.9 ± 1.4, p=0.000), notable matrix preservation, and improved cartilage structure compared to group B (p=0.001).
Conclusion: Intra-articular PRP preserved chondrocytes, reduced matrix loss, minimized cartilage damage, and promoted regeneration of articular cartilage, suggesting its therapeutic potential in slowing osteoarthritis progression. Further studies incorporating biochemical and radiological assessments are recommended for validation.
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