Combination of preconditioned adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells and platelet-rich plasma improves the repair of osteoarthritis in rat

Aim: To observe the combined effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and preconditioned adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) on the injured articular cartilage of the rat. Materials & methods: Animals in the study received an intra-articular injection of PRP and preconditioned ADMSCs, both in combination and separately. The response to therapeutic intervention was evaluated by inflammatory markers, proteoglycans content, chondrogenesis and gene expression analyses. Results: The combined therapy resulted in a reduction of IL-6 and TNF-α, increased proteoglycan content of the articular cartilage, upregulation of Acan, Col2a1 and PCNA genes. Downregulation of Col1a1, Col10a1 and Casp3 genes was observed as compared with the untreated osteoarthritis rat model. Conclusion: PRP potentiates the effects of ADMSCs on the repair of damaged articular cartilage.