Platelet rich plasma: Effective treatment for repairing of spinal cord injury in rat

Acta Orthopaedica et Traumatologica Turcica, 2017 · DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.aott.2017.02.009 · Published: April 25, 2017

Neurology Orthopedics Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cells

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the potential of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to aid in the repair of spinal cord injuries in rats. Rats with spinal cord injuries were treated with PRP either 24 hours or one week after the injury, and their motor function and nerve regeneration were assessed. The results showed that rats treated with PRP 24 hours after injury had better motor recovery and nerve regeneration compared to the control group.

Study Duration

5 Weeks

Participants

18 Male Wistar rats (6 per group)

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Motor recovery was significantly better in rats treated with PRP 24 hours after injury compared to the control group.
2
The number of BDA-labeled axons (indicating nerve regeneration) was statistically different from the control group in rats treated with PRP either 1 week or 24 hours after injury.
3
PRP injection promoted axon regeneration in the rat model of spinal cord contusion.

Research Summary

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of PRP on spinal cord injury repair in a rat model. The results showed that motor recovery was significantly better in rats treated with PRP 24 hours after injury compared to the control group, and nerve regeneration was also enhanced. The study concludes that PRP has positive effects on nerve regeneration after spinal cord injury, suggesting potential neurotrophic and neuroprotective effects.

Practical Implications

Clinical Application

PRP may be a potential therapeutic agent for treating spinal cord injuries in humans, particularly if administered early after the injury.

Further Research

Further studies are needed to explore the mechanisms of PRP's beneficial effects and to optimize its application in spinal cord injury treatment.

Timing of Intervention

The study highlights the importance of early intervention, as PRP administered 24 hours after injury showed better results than when administered a week later.

Study Limitations

1
The low number of subjects can be considered as main weakness of our study.
2
Number of regenerating axons might not correlate with the functional restoration of the axon.
3
Further studies are recommended to support the present results and to explore the mechanisms of beneﬁcial effects of PRP in the SCI.

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