platelet-rich plasma (University of California, San Francisco)

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an autologous biologic therapy prepared by concentrating platelets from a patient's own peripheral blood via centrifugation. This specific preparation is being evaluated by the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) for the treatment of symptomatic knee osteoarthritis. PRP contains a high concentration of growth factors—including platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)—and bioactive proteins that are released upon platelet activation. These components work synergistically to modulate the intra-articular inflammatory environment, reduce pain, and potentially promote tissue repair and anabolism within the joint. The UCSF study specifically focuses on identifying biomarker and protein changes in blood and synovial fluid to elucidate the biological mechanisms of PRP in different age groups.

Other names

PRPautologous platelet-rich plasma