Equine suspensory ligament and tendon explants cultured with platelet-rich gel supernatants release different anti-inflammatory and anabolic mediators
Authors: Bonilla-Gutiérrez Andrés F., Castillo-Franz Cristian, López Catalina, Álvarez María E., Giraldo Carlos E., Carmona Jorge U.
Journal: Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Platelet-Rich Gel Effects on Equine Soft Tissue Inflammation Researchers cultured suspensory ligament and tendon explants from six horses with leukocyte-reduced platelet-rich gel supernatant (Lr-PRGS) and leukocyte-reduced plasma (Lr-PL) at two concentrations, measuring the release of inflammatory markers (IL-1β, TNF-α), anti-inflammatory mediators (IL-4, IL-1ra), growth factors (PDGF-BB, TGF-β1), and hyaluronic acid over 48 hours using ELISA analysis. The 50% Lr-PRGS concentration significantly suppressed IL-1β release in both tissues compared to other preparations, whilst promoting substantially higher IL-4 and IL-1ra concentrations in suspensory ligament samples than tendon explants. Both Lr-PRGS concentrations proved superior in stimulating IL-1ra release overall, though hyaluronic acid levels were paradoxically lower across all treated groups relative to controls. These findings suggest that platelet-rich preparations may exert therapeutic benefit through IL-1β suppression paired with enhanced anti-inflammatory signalling, potentially mediated by PDGF-BB activity—a distinction worth noting given the different response profiles between ligamentous and tendinous tissue. For practitioners considering platelet-derived biologics, this tissue-specific variability warrants consideration when treating mixed soft tissue injuries, and the apparent reduction in hyaluronic acid raises questions about optimal treatment protocols that merit further investigation.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Platelet-rich gel supernatant appears to modulate the inflammatory response in soft tissue injuries by reducing pro-inflammatory IL-1β while increasing anti-inflammatory mediators, which may support healing in suspensory ligament and tendon lesions
- •Suspensory ligaments and tendons respond differently to platelet-derived products, with ligaments showing greater anti-inflammatory responses; consider tissue type when selecting regenerative therapy protocols
- •The 50% concentration of Lr-PRGS showed more favorable anti-inflammatory profiles than higher concentrations, suggesting optimal dosing matters for clinical application
Key Findings
- •50% leukocyte-reduced platelet-rich gel supernatant (Lr-PRGS) induced significantly lower IL-1β release compared to other hemoderivatives in both suspensory ligament and tendon explants
- •Lr-PRGS at both concentrations stimulated significantly higher IL-4 (anti-inflammatory) and IL-1ra (antagonist) release in suspensory ligament explants compared to tendon explants
- •TNF-α concentrations were significantly elevated in suspensory ligament explants treated with Lr-PRGS and 25% Lr-PL at 48 hours compared to tendon explants
- •Hyaluronic acid concentration decreased in tissue explants cultured with all hemoderivatives compared to control, suggesting potential limitations in matrix support