Experimental study on platelet rich plasma combining with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells for articular cartilage defect regeneration

Abstract

Objective To explore the effect of using platelet rich plasma (PRP) combined with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) for repairing cartilage defect. Methods BMSCs of Rabbit were isolated. And PRP was extracted. BMSCs was cultured by medium containing PRP (PRP group) and ordinary medium (control group), respectively. The expression of type Ⅰ and Ⅱ collagen, sex determination region related high mobility group box protein 9 (SOX9) and Aggrecan gene were deteced. 45 New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into three groups to create the model of cartilage defect. PRP-BMSCs gel and PRP gel were filled in the defect area of group A and B. And no material was filled in group C. After 12 weeks of surgery, the effect of cartilage repair was evaluated by gross observation, hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and immunohistochemical detection. Results PCR analysis showed the expression of type Ⅱcollagen, SOX9 and Aggrecan in PRP group (6.592±0.067, 6.967±0.062 and 9.097±0.073 respectively) were higher than control group (0.627±0.016, 0.817±0.016 and 0.478±0.016 respectively; t=86.450, P 0.05). The defect area of animal models indicated that, in group A, the regenerative tissue was well integrated with the normal cartilage, a large number of chondrocytes was found, and immunohistochemical staining was strongly positive. In group B, the boundary between cambium and normal cartilage was clear, the chondrocyte was scarce, and immunohistochemical staining was weakly positive. In group C, the defect area was still dented, the cambium was mainly fibrous tissue, and immunohistochemical staining was negative. Conclusion PRP can motivate BMSCs chondrogenic differentiation in vitro/in vivo, and PRP-BMSCs can renovate animal’s articular cartilage defect. Key words: Platelet rich plasma; Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells; Differentiation; Cartilage repair