platelet-rich plasma (Federal University of São Paulo)

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an autologous biologic therapy investigated by the Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP) for the treatment of symptomatic knee osteoarthritis. It is prepared by centrifuging a patient's own peripheral blood to obtain a high concentration of platelets, which are then administered via intra-articular injection. The therapeutic mechanism involves the release of various growth factors—including PDGF, TGF-β, and VEGF—from platelet alpha-granules upon activation. These factors modulate the inflammatory environment within the joint, stimulate mesenchymal stem cell proliferation, and promote the synthesis of extracellular matrix components, potentially slowing the progression of cartilage degradation. In a Phase 4 clinical trial (NCT02384863), UNIFESP researchers compared PRP to triamcinolone hexacetonide and saline, observing that while corticosteroids provided superior short-term pain relief, PRP was associated with the lowest radiographic progression over a 52-week follow-up period.

Other names

PRPautologous platelet-rich plasma