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• Ozone oxidative postconditioning ameliorates joint damage and decreases pro-inflammatory cytokine levels and oxidative stress in PG/PS-induced arthritis in rats

  Posted in: General | Posted on: 01-Sep-2013

  Abstract

  Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is the most prevalent chronic condition present in ~1% of the adult population. Many pro-inflammatory mediators are increased in RA, including Reactive Oxygen Species such as nitric oxide NO, pro-inflammatory cytokines as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) and other molecules. Ozone oxidative postconditioning has regulatory effects on some pathological targets associated with RA. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of ozone therapy in PG/PS-induced arthritis in rats in point of joints inflammation and morphology. Moreover, cytokines, nitric oxide and oxidative stress levels in spleen homogenates were evaluated. Ozone treatment ameliorated joint damage, reduced TNF-α concentrations as well as TNF-α and IL-1β mRNA levels. Besides, cellular redox balance, nitric oxide and fructolysine levels were reestablished after ozone oxidative postconditioning. It was concluded that pleiotropic ozone\'s effects clarify its therapeutic efficacy in RA. Decreasing inflammation and joint injury, reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α and IL-1β transcripts and re-establishment of cellular redox balance after ozone treatment were demonstrated.

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• The effect of intra-articular injection of different concentrations of ozone on the level of TNF-α, TNF-R1, and TNF-R2 in rats with rheumatoid arthritis

  Posted in: General | Posted on: 01-Sep-2013

  Abstract

  The objectives of this study were to observe the therapeutic effect of ozone (O3) of different concentrations on rat with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and to investigate the role of O3 in regulating the level of TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor), TNF-R1 (tumor necrosis factor receptor 1), and TNF-R2. Forty-eight Wistar rats were randomly divided into eight groups. There are five O3 groups which were marked by 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 μg/mL, respectively, control group, oxygen group, and RA model group. RA was induced in all rats by hypodermic injection of collagen II and complete Freund\'s adjuvant except that in the control group. At 21 days after modeling, the rats in oxygen group were given an injection of oxygen in the knee joint weekly for 3 weeks, and the rats in O3 groups were injected the concentration of O3 as they marked weekly for 3 weeks. The thickness of hind paw, as well as the serum and synovial levels of TNF-α, TNF-R1, and TNF-R2 was observed. At the end of treatments, the thickness of the hind paws in O3-40 group is much less compared to RA group (P < 0.01). The serum levels of TNF-α, TNF-R1, and TNF-R2 showed no significant difference among all the groups (P > 0.05). However, the synovial levels of TNF-α and TNF-R2 in O3-40 and O3-50 groups are lower than those in RA group (P < 0.01). The synovial level of TNF-R1 in O3-40 group is higher than that in RA group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, intra-articular injection of O3 at 40 μg/mL can effectively suppress the joint swelling caused by RA. This mechanism is probably mediated by down-regulating synovial TNF-α and TNF-R2 and up-regulating TNF-R1 in the joint.

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• Autologous blood versus corticosteroid local injection for treatment of Lateral Epicondylosis: A Randomized Clinical Trial

  Posted in: General | Posted on: 29-Aug-2013

  Abstract

  Objective: The objective of the present single blinded prospective randomized control trial was assessment of efficacy of autologous blood injection versus local steroid injection in treatment of lateral epicondylosis of elbow. Methodology: Using a pre-post experimental design, a total of sixty patients of previously untreated lateral epicondylosis were selected; Group 1 (n=30) was administered single injection of autologous blood and Group 2 (n=30) single local corticosteroid injection. Assessment was done at baseline, 2 weeks, 6 weeks and 12 weeks using PRTEE (Patient Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation) score. Results: Pre injection parameters showed no difference between groups (chi square test, p > 0.005). Analysis between groups showed significant decrease in steroid group at very short term - 2 weeks (unpaired t test, p < 0.005).There was no difference between groups at 6 weeks. There was a significant improvement in blood group at medium term -12 weeks (unpaired t test, p < 0.05). Conclusion: Both the interventions were effective in reducing pain and improving functional status of patients in short term, but autologous blood was more effective in longer run.

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• Platelets in tissue repair: control of apoptosis and interactions with regenerative cells

  Posted in: General | Posted on: 26-Aug-2013

  Besides mediating primary hemostasis and thrombosis, platelets play a critical role in tissue repair and regeneration. They regulate fundamental mechanisms involved in the healing process including cellular migration, proliferation, and angiogenesis. Control of apoptosis/cell survival and interaction with progenitor cells, which are clinically relevant but poorly understood aspects of platelets in tissue repair, will be highlighted in this review. Gaining deeper insight into the less well characterized molecular mechanisms is necessary to develop new therapeutic platelet-based options.

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• A study to compare the efficacy of corticosteroid therapy with platelet-rich plasma therapy in recalcitrant plantar fasciitis: A preliminary report

  Posted in: General | Posted on: 26-Aug-2013

  Abstract

  Background

  Plantar fasciitis is one of the commonest, and most frustrating, foot ailments seen in a regular orthopaedic clinic. There are a number of modalities available to treat this condition, of which corticosteroid injection is, perhaps, the most popular. However, recent years have seen an increased interest in the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections in various clinical situations such as plantar fasciitis.

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• Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma Versus Dextrose Prolotherapy for the Treatment of Chronic Recalcitrant Plantar Fasciitis.

  Posted in: General | Posted on: 18-Aug-2013

  Abstract

  OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) compared with dextrose prolotherapy (DP) in patients with chronic recalcitrant plantar fasciitis (PF) DESIGN: A single-blinded, randomized, controlled study.

  SETTING: Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of a university hospital.

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• HGF mediates the anti-inflammatory effects of PRP on injured tendons.

  Posted in: General | Posted on: 16-Aug-2013

  Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) containing hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and other growth factors are widely used in orthopaedic/sports medicine to repair injured tendons. While PRP treatment is reported to decrease pain in patients with tendon injury, the mechanism of this effect is not clear. Tendon pain is often associated with tendon inflammation, and HGF is known to protect tissues from inflammatory damages. Therefore, we hypothesized that HGF in PRP causes the anti-inflammatory effects. To test this hypothesis, we performed in vitro experiments on rabbit tendon cells and in vivo experiments on a mouse Achilles tendon injury model. We found that addition of PRP or HGF decreased gene expression of COX-1, COX-2, and mPGES-1, induced by the treatment of tendon cells in vitro with IL-1β. Further, the treatment of tendon cell cultures with HGF antibodies reduced the suppressive effects of PRP or HGF on IL-1β-induced COX-1, COX-2, and mPGES-1 gene expressions. Treatment with PRP or HGF almost completely blocked the cellular production of PGE2 and the expression of COX proteins. Finally, injection of PRP or HGF into wounded mouse Achilles tendons in vivo decreased PGE2 production in the tendinous tissues. Injection of platelet-poor plasma (PPP) however, did not reduce PGE2 levels in the wounded tendons, but the injection of HGF antibody inhibited the effects of PRP and HGF. Further, injection of PRP or HGF also decreased COX-1 and COX-2 proteins. These results indicate that PRP exerts anti-inflammatory effects on injured tendons through HGF. This study provides basic scientific evidence to support the use of PRP to treat injured tendons because PRP can reduce inflammation and thereby reduce the associated pain caused by high levels of PGE2.

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• Use of platelet-rich plasma in the care of sports injuries: our experience with ultrasound-guided injection

  Posted in: General | Posted on: 08-Aug-2013

  Background. Platelet-rich plasma is being used more frequently to promote healing of muscle injuries. The growth factors contained in platelet-rich plasma accelerate physiological healing processes and the use of these factors is simple and minimally invasive. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the efficacy of ultrasound-guided injection of platelet-rich plasma in muscle strains and the absence of side effects.

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• Stem Cell Research & Therapy

  Posted in: General | Posted on: 05-Aug-2013

  Activated platelet-rich plasma improves adipose-derived stem cell transplantation efficiency in injured articular cartilage

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  Abstract

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  Introduction

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  Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) have been isolated, expanded, and applied in the treatment of many diseases. ADSCs have also been used to treat injured articular cartilage.

  However, there is controversy regarding the treatment efficiency. We considered that ADSC transplantation with activated platelet-rich plasma (PRP) may improve injured articular cartilage compared with that of ADSC transplantation alone. In this study, we determined the role of PRP in ADSC transplantation to improve the treatment efficiency.

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• Use of platelet-rich plasma in the care of sports injuries: our experience with ultrasound-guided injection

  Posted in: General | Posted on: 26-Jul-2013

  Platelet-rich plasma injected into the injury site is one of the most important factors rendering the treatment effective. To maximise its efficacy the preliminary ultrasound must be done accurately to localise the lesion and guide the needle into the corresponding lesion. According to the current results, which document full muscle recovery and no relapse except for one case, platelet-rich plasma ultrasound-guided injection represents a valid mini-invasive treatment for muscle injuries.

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• The influence of platelet-rich plasma on myogenic differentiation

  Posted in: General | Posted on: 22-Jul-2013

  The ability to expand and direct both precursor and stem cells towards a differential fate is considered extremely advantageous in tissue engineering. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) possesses a milieu of growth factors and cytokines, which have the potential to have either a differentiative or proliferative influence on the cell type tested. Here, we investigated the effect of PRP on C2C12 myoblasts. A range of PRP concentrations in differentiation media was used to determine whether a concentration dependence existed, while PRP embedded in fibres of aligned electrospun polydioxanone and polycaprolactone was used to determine whether this presence of fibres would cause any differences in response.

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• Autologous platelet-rich plasma versus dextrose prolotherapy for the treatment of chronic recalcitrant plantar fasciitis

  Posted in: General | Posted on: 22-Jul-2013

  Objective

  To determine the efficacy of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) compared with dextrose prolotherapy (DP) in patients with chronic recalcitrant plantar fasciitis (PF)

  Design

  A single-blinded, randomized, controlled study

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• The effect of ketorolac tromethamine, methylprednisolone, and platelet-rich plasma on human chondrocyte and tenocyte viability.

  Posted in: General | Posted on: 21-Jul-2013

  PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect on cell viability of the isolated and combined use of allogeneic platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and ketorolac tromethamine on human chondrocytes and tenocytes in a highly controlled in vitro environment.

  METHODS: PRP was produced from 8 subjects. Human chondrocytes (Lonza, Hopkinton, MA) and tenocytes isolated from samples of the long head of the biceps tendons were treated in culture with PRP, ketorolac tromethamine, and methylprednisolone, both alone and in combination. Control samples were treated in media containing 2% or 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS). Cells were exposed for 1 hour. Luminescence assays were obtained to examine cell viability after 24 hours and long-term effects on cell viability after 120 hours. Radioactive thymidine assay was used to measure proliferation after 120 hours.

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• Can thrombin-activated platelet releasate compensate the age-induced decrease in cell proliferation of MSC?

  Posted in: General | Posted on: 15-Jul-2013

  Mesenchymal progenitor cells (MSCs) are promising for cell-based regeneration therapies. In elderly patients a reduced proliferation of MSCs has been described. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) contains important factors necessary for osteogenic regeneration. The aim of this study was to find out whether the age-induced decrease in cell proliferation can be compensated by the use of supernatant of centrifuged, activated PRP (tPR). MSCs of donors of three age groups (A: young, 14-16 years, B: middle age, 36-46 years, C: older, 74-83 years) were expanded with 20% FCS alone or supplemented with thrombin-activated platelet releasate (tPR) (1%, 2.5%, and 5%) or platelet-poor plasma (PPP 5%). Cell proliferation and differentiation was measured on days 0, 3, and 7. Proliferation increased significantly in groups A and B with tPR, and non-significantly in group C.

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• Platelet-Rich Plasma and the Elimination of Neuropathic Pain

  Posted in: General | Posted on: 12-Jul-2013

  Peripheral neuropathic pain typically results from trauma-induced nociceptive neuron hyperexcitability and their spontaneous ectopic activity. This pain persists until the trauma-induced cascade of events runs its full course, which results in complete tissue repair, including the nociceptive neurons recovering their normal biophysical properties, ceasing to be hyperexcitable, and stopping having spontaneous electrical activity. However, if a wound undergoes no, insufficient, or too much inflammation, or if a wound becomes stuck in an inflammatory state, chronic neuropathic pain persists. Although various drugs and techniques provide temporary relief from chronic neuropathic pain, many have serious side effects, are not effective, none promotes the completion of the wound healing process, and none provides permanent pain relief.

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• Platelet-Rich Plasma Significantly Improves Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Chronic Tennis Elbow

  Posted in: General | Posted on: 10-Jul-2013

  A Double-Blind, Prospective, Multicenter, Controlled Trial of 230 Patients

  Background: Elbow tenderness and pain with resisted wrist extension are common manifestations of lateral epicondylar tendinopathy, also known as tennis elbow. Previous studies have suggested platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to be a safe and effective therapy for tennis elbow.

  Purpose: To evaluate the clinical value of tendon needling with PRP in patients with chronic tennis elbow compared with an active control group.

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• Dextrose prolotherapy for knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial.

  Posted in: General | Posted on: 04-Jul-2013

  PURPOSE Knee osteoarthritis is a common, debilitating chronic disease. Prolotherapy is an injection therapy for chronic musculoskeletal pain. We conducted a 3-arm, blinded (injector, assessor, injection group participants), randomized controlled trial to assess the efficacy of prolotherapy for knee osteoarthritis. METHODS Ninety adults with at least 3 months of painful knee osteoarthritis were randomized to blinded injection (dextrose prolotherapy or saline) or at-home exercise. Extra- and intra-articular injections were done at 1, 5, and 9 weeks with as-needed additional treatments at weeks 13 and 17. Exercise participants received an exercise manual and in-person instruction. Outcome measures included a composite score on the Western Ontario McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC; 100 points); knee pain scale (KPS; individual knee), post-procedure opioid medication use, and participant satisfaction. Intention-to-treat analysis using analysis of variance was used. RESULTS No baseline differences existed between groups. All groups reported improved composite WOMAC scores compared with baseline status (P <.01) at 52 weeks. Adjusted for sex, age, and body mass index, WOMAC scores for patients receiving dextrose prolotherapy improved more (P <.05) at 52 weeks than did scores for patients receiving saline and exercise (score change: 15.3

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• PLATELET-RICH PLASMA GEL PROMOTES REGENERATION OF ARTICULAR CARTILAGE IN KNEES OF SHEEPS

  Posted in: General | Posted on: 16-Jun-2013

  Abstract

  Objective: To assess the regeneration of osteochondral defects in the joint cartilage of the knee induced by autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP). Methods: Osteochondral defects produced in the trochlear groove of both knees of ten sheep; defects of the right knees were filled with autologous PRP and the left knees were left unfilled. Macroscopic and microscopic evaluation was carried out 12 week later. The results were evaluated by the total score of both macroscopic and microscopic evaluations com - paring the two sides through the Wilcoxon paired test.

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• Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells: fat on and blast off by FGF21.

  Posted in: General | Posted on: 05-May-2013

  Wan Y.
  Journal

  Int J Biochem Cell Biol. 2013 Mar;45(3):546-9. doi: 10.1016/j.biocel.2012.12.014. Epub 2012 Dec 25.
  Affiliation

  Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA. yihong.wan@utsouthwestern.edu

  Abstract

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  Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) are multipotent marrow stromal cells with the ability to differentiate into a variety of cell types required for tissue regeneration including osteoblasts and chondrocytes. Thus, they hold tremendous potential as powerful therapeutic strategies for the prevention and treatment of degenerative disorders including osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. The differentiation of BMMSCs into competing lineages such as osteoblasts and marrow adipocytes is regulated by various environmental cues and intrinsic signaling pathways. Here I highlight recent advances in the understanding of BMMSC function and regulation, including the interaction between BMMSCs with the hematopoietic/immune system, and the identification of novel modulators of BMMSC differentiation such as the metabolic hormone fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21). These new findings will further elucidate the dynamic regulation of BMMSCs in the pathophysiological control of skeletal homeostasis, and facilitate the clinical applications of BMMSCs in regenerative medicine.

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• Painkillers mobilize blood stem cells

  Posted in: General | Posted on: 01-May-2013

  Aspirin-related drugs suggest a way towards more effective stem-cell transplants.

  Aspirin-like drugs could improve the success of stem-cell transplants for patients with blood or bone-marrow disorders, a study suggests. The compounds coax stem cells from bone marrow into the bloodstream where they can be harvested for use in transplantation — and they do so with fewer side effects than drugs now in use.

  For patients with blood disorders such as leukaemia, multiple myeloma or non-Hodgkin\'s lymphoma, transplantation of haematopoietic stem cells — precursor cells that reside in the bone marrow and give rise to all types of blood cell — can be an effective treatment.

  Previous work has shown that prostaglandin E₂, or PGE₂, a lipid known to regulate multiple bodily reactions including pain, fever and inflammation, also has a role in keeping stem cells in the bone marrow^{. In the latest study, researchers show that in mice, humans and baboons, inhibition of PGE₂ with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) causes stem cells to leave the bone marrow.}

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