Background: Osteoarthritis is the most common problem among musculoskeletal system disorders. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been suggested to be beneficial in the treatment of degenerative musculoskeletal problems. The purpose of this study is to evaluate PRP treatment efficacy on degenerated cartilage.

Objectives: In this study, we aimed to determine the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on mechanically damaged chondrocyte cells by using different dose, different duration of exposure and different methods of activation of platelet.

Methods: Human source chondrocytes (CHON-001 ATTC CRL-2846) were used in thestudy. Chondrocyte cells were produced in appropriate medium and an experimental cartilage model was created. Theplatelet-rich plasma was produced from platelets obtained by apheresis in the laboratory, from blood of volunteer. Theplatelet-rich plasma was adjusted at five different doses as 4,8x10⁶, 2,4x10⁶, 1.2x10⁶, 6x10⁵, 3x10⁵. The first group of platelet rich plasma was left intact, the second group was detonated within seven minutes by applying ultrasound waves in water, the third group was activated with calcium chloride and thefourth group was determined as control group. Using a ten microliter pipette tip, a linear damage to theopposite side was created at the widest part of the well. Cell migration was monitored at 0-4-8-24 and 48 hours at x10 magnification by in vitro microscopy and wound healing was evaluated by photographing. Migration intervals were determined quantitatively using the program named Image J.

Results: When the rates of recovery were compared to the groups, no significant improvement was observed in the intact and detonated platelet groups at 4-8 and 24 hours compared to the control group. In the third group which was activated with calcium, no significant improvement was observed in all doses at 4 and 8 hours compared to the control group. However, at the 48th hours there was a significant improvement in the doses of 1.2x10⁶, 2.4x10⁶and 4.8x10⁶compared to the control group (p <0.0001).

There were significant differences in intact and detonated platelets at 3x10⁵and 6x10⁵doses at 48th hours compared to controlgroup (p <0.0001). Significant improvement was observed in all groups at levels of 1.2x10⁶and a bove (p <0.0001).

When evaluated in terms of activation, there was a significant improvement in the exploded and intact groups at the 48th hour, compared to the calcium-activated group at doses of 3x10⁵ and 6x10⁵ (p <0.01).

Conclusion: Cartilage damage is the main pathology in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis. All doses of PRP used in the study contributed to improvement. Meanwhile, the most critical parameter for platelet migration was timing and significant improvement was started after 48 hours.

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Disclosure of Interests: None declared