autologous leukocyte-rich platelet-rich plasma

Autologous leukocyte-rich platelet-rich plasma (LR-PRP) is a biologic therapy derived from a patient's own peripheral blood, processed to achieve a high concentration of platelets and leukocytes. It is primarily utilized in regenerative medicine and orthopedics to treat chronic tendinopathies, such as lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow). The therapeutic efficacy of LR-PRP is attributed to the concentrated release of bioactive proteins and growth factors—including platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)—from platelet alpha-granules upon activation. These factors stimulate cellular processes essential for tissue repair, such as mesenchymal stem cell recruitment, fibroblast proliferation, and angiogenesis. The presence of leukocytes in the preparation is thought to modulate the local inflammatory environment and provide antimicrobial properties, although their specific contribution to the healing process compared to leukocyte-poor formulations remains a subject of clinical study, such as the EPIC-PRP trial conducted by the Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli.

Other names

autologous leukocyte rich platelet rich plasmaleukocyte-rich PRPautologous platelet-rich plasma