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. 2019;30(2):213-221.
doi: 10.1080/09537104.2017.1401058. Epub 2017 Dec 14.

Injectable-platelet rich fibrin using the low speed centrifugation concept improves cartilage regeneration when compared to platelet-rich plasma

Mustafa Abd El Raouf  1   2 , Xuzhu Wang  1 , Si Miusi  1 , Jihua Chai  1 , Abdel Basit Mohamed AbdEl-Aal  2 , Mekkawy M Nefissa Helmy  2 , Shahram Ghanaati  3 , Joseph Choukroun  3 , Elisa Choukroun  4 , Yufeng Zhang  1 , Richard J Miron  5
Affiliations

Injectable-platelet rich fibrin using the low speed centrifugation concept improves cartilage regeneration when compared to platelet-rich plasma

Mustafa Abd El Raouf et al. Platelets. 2019.

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of injectable platelet-rich fibrin (i-PRF) on cultivated chondrocytes and osteochondral regeneration in critical-sized osteochondral defect of the rabbit's knee in comparison to autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP). Chondrocytes were first investigated for their ability to proliferate and differentiate in response to PRP and i-PRF. Thereafter, full-thickness critical-sized osteochondral defects 5 mm in diameter and 5 mm in depth were created in the knee joint of 12 adult female New Zealand White rabbits. Defects were regenerated with either PRP or i-PRF and compared to control. Animals were sacrificed at 4 and 12 weeks postoperatively and evaluated histologically by macroscopic and microscopic examination for cartilage regeneration. i-PRF significantly promoted chondrocyte proliferation and mRNA levels of Sox9, collagen type II, and aggrecan when compared to PRP and control. Histological analysis revealed that at 4 weeks, macroscopic ICRS scores from the i-PRF group were significantly enhanced when compared to the PRP and control groups. At 12 weeks post surgery, the microscopic ICRS scores demonstrated that the i-PRF group significantly improved cartilage regeneration when compared to PRP. In conclusion, the use of i-PRF using the low speed centrifugation concept significantly promoted chondrocyte activity and further improved cartilage regeneration when compared to PRP. The histological results revealed early and better cartilage regeneration within 4 weeks postoperatively when i-PRF was utilized and the results were maintained at 12 weeks. Future clinical studies are now needed investigating the regenerative potential of i-PRF in comparison to PRP for knee regeneration.

Keywords: Injectable PRF; knee regeneration; low speed centrifugation concept; platelet concentrates; platelet-rich fibrin; platelet-rich plasma.

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