Does platelet-rich plasma freeze-thawing influence growth factor release and their effects on chondrocytes and synoviocytes?

Biomed Res Int. 2014:2014:692913. doi: 10.1155/2014/692913. Epub 2014 Jul 17.

Abstract

PRP cryopreservation remains a controversial point. Our purpose was to investigate the effect of freezing/thawing on PRP molecule release, and its effects on the metabolism of chondrocytes and synoviocytes. PRP was prepared from 10 volunteers, and a half volume underwent one freezing/thawing cycle. IL-1β, HGF, PDGF AB/BB, TGF-β1, and VEGF were assayed 1 hour and 7 days after activation. Culture media of chondrocytes and synoviocytes were supplemented with fresh or frozen PRP, and, at 7 days, proliferation, gene expression, and secreted proteins levels were evaluated. Results showed that in the freeze-thawed PRP the immediate and delayed molecule releases were similar or slightly lower than those in fresh PRP. TGF-β1 and PDGF AB/BB concentrations were significantly reduced after freezing both at 1 hour and at 7 days, whereas HGF concentration was significantly lower in frozen PRP at 7 days. In fresh PRP IL-1β and HGF concentrations underwent a significant further increase after 7 days. Similar gene expression was found in chondrocytes cultured with both PRPs, whereas in synoviocytes HGF gene expression was higher in frozen PRP. PRP cryopreservation is a safe procedure, which sufficiently preserves PRP quality and its ability to induce proliferation and the production of ECM components in chondrocytes and synoviocytes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Chondrocytes / drug effects*
  • Cryopreservation
  • Culture Media
  • Freezing
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Platelet-Derived Growth Factor / drug effects
  • Platelet-Derived Growth Factor / metabolism*
  • Platelet-Rich Plasma / chemistry*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-sis / drug effects
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-sis / metabolism
  • Synovial Fluid / cytology
  • Synovial Fluid / drug effects*

Substances

  • Culture Media
  • Platelet-Derived Growth Factor
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-sis
  • platelet-derived growth factor AB