PRP and Cotton-Like β-TCP/PLGA Fibers Enhance Bone Repair in Osteoporotic Vertebral Defects via Macrophage Modulation...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Orthopedic Research

Background:

• Osteoporotic vertebral defects pose significant challenges in bone regeneration.
• Current treatments often have limited efficacy in improving bone healing in osteoporotic conditions.
• Biomaterial scaffolds combined with biological factors are being explored to enhance bone repair.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of combining platelet-rich plasma (PRP) with β-tricalcium phosphate/polylactic-co-glycolic acid (β-TCP/PLGA) fibers for treating osteoporotic vertebral defects in a rat model.
• To assess the impact of this combination on bone regeneration, macrophage differentiation, and inflammatory responses.

Main Methods:

• Seventy-two ovariectomized rats with induced osteoporosis were used.
• Critical bone defects were created in lumbar vertebrae and treated with either PRP-infused β-TCP/PLGA fibers, β-TCP/PLGA fibers with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), or no material (control).
• Bone regeneration, macrophage phenotypes (M1/M2), and inflammatory markers were assessed histologically over 12 weeks.

Main Results:

• The PRP-treated group showed significantly enhanced early bone formation compared to the PBS group.
• Increased expression of osteogenic markers was observed in the PRP group.
• A favorable shift in macrophage activity from M1 (inflammatory) to M2 (healing) phenotypes was noted in the PRP group.

Conclusions:

• The combination of PRP and β-TCP/PLGA fibers effectively promotes bone regeneration in osteoporotic vertebral defects.
• This therapeutic approach modulates the immune response, favoring a healing environment.
• PRP combined with β-TCP/PLGA fibers demonstrates potential as a surgical intervention for osteoporotic vertebral fractures.