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Updated: Apr 19, 2026
Effects of Allogeneic Platelet-Rich Plasma PRP on the Healing Process of Sectioned Achilles Tendons of Rats: A Methodological Description
Published on: March 19, 2018
Growth factor delivery vehicles for tendon injuries: Mesenchymal stem cells and Platelet Rich Plasma
Alberto Guevara-Alvarez1, Andreas Schmitt1, Ryan P Russell2
1Department of Orthopaedic Sport Medicine, Klinikumrechts der Isar, Technische Universität Mün-chen, Germany.
Background:
tendon tissue shows limited regeneration potential with formation of scar tissue and inferior mechanical properties. The capacity of several growth factors to improve the healing response and decrease scar formation is described in different preclinical studies. Besides the application of isolated growth factors, current research focuses on two further strategies to improve the healing response in tendon injuries: platelet rich plasma (PRP) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs).
Objective:
the present review focuses on these two options and describes their potential to improve tendon healing.
Results:
in vitro experiments and animal studies showed promising results for the use of PRP, however clinical controlled studies have shown a tendency of reduced pain related symptoms but no significant differences in overall clinical scores. On the other hand MSCs are not totally arrived in clinical use so that there is still a lack of randomized controlled trials. In basic research experiments they show an extraordinary paracrine activity, anti-inflammatory effect and the possibility to differentiate in tenocytes when different activating-factors are added.
Conclusion:
preclinical studies have shown promising results in improving tendon remodeling but the comparability of current literature is difficult due to different compositions. PRP and MSCs can act as efficient growth factor vehicles, however further studies should be performed in order to adequate investigate their clinical benefits in different tendon pathologies.
Insights
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) show promise for improving tendon healing in preclinical studies. However, clinical evidence is still limited, necessitating further research to confirm their therapeutic benefits for tendon injuries.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Orthopedic Surgery
Background:
- Tendon tissue exhibits limited regeneration capacity, often resulting in scar tissue formation and compromised mechanical properties.
- Growth factors have demonstrated potential in preclinical studies to enhance tendon healing and reduce scarring.
- Current research explores platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) as advanced strategies for tendon injury repair.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the potential of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in improving tendon healing.
- To evaluate the current evidence for PRP and MSCs in the context of tendon repair.
Main Methods:
- Review of in vitro experiments and animal studies on PRP and MSCs for tendon healing.
- Analysis of clinical controlled studies and randomized controlled trials evaluating PRP and MSCs.
- Examination of the mechanisms of action, including paracrine activity and differentiation potential of MSCs.
Main Results:
- PRP shows promising results in preclinical studies, with clinical trials indicating potential for reduced pain but no significant improvement in overall clinical scores.
- Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) demonstrate significant paracrine activity, anti-inflammatory effects, and tenocyte differentiation potential in basic research.
- Clinical application of MSCs is limited, with a lack of randomized controlled trials hindering definitive conclusions.
Conclusions:
- Preclinical data suggest PRP and MSCs can enhance tendon remodeling, but variations in study compositions impede direct comparability.
- Both PRP and MSCs can serve as effective delivery vehicles for growth factors in tendon repair.
- Further rigorous studies are required to ascertain the clinical efficacy of PRP and MSCs across various tendon pathologies.
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09:31Evaluation of Stem Cell Therapies in a Bilateral Patellar Tendon Injury Model in Rats
Published on: March 30, 2018
