Effect of Leukoreduced Platelet Rich Plasma on Intra-Articular Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines in a Canine Pilot Study

SIMPLE SUMMARY: This study provides initial information on the effect of platelet rich plasma in some of the most important pro-inflammatory cytokines identified in osteoarthritic stifle joint in dogs. The use of platelet rich plasma is getting more popular in the veterinary field but its effect in those cytokines is not known. ABSTRACT: Evaluation of effect of Leukoreduced Platelet Rich Plasma (LrPRP) on TNF-α and IL-6 (pro-inflammatory cytokines) in joint fluid in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CCLR). Eight client-owned dogs with CCLR were assigned to treatment (2 mL LrPRP) or control (2 mL saline) injection groups. Day of evaluation (day 0) and day of surgery (day 10–14), joint fluid was collected and joint injected. Joint fluid was also collected on day of suture removal (day 20–28). TNF-α and IL-6 concentrations of joint fluid were measured using a bead-based antibody assay. Concentrations at the later time points were expressed as a ratio to the initial level within each stifle. LrPRP had a mean concentration of platelets 1.7 times higher that of whole blood on day of evaluation and 1.4 times higher on day of the surgery. Leukocytes were reduced by 99.7%. On day of surgery, TNF-α ratios in the joint fluid from dogs injected with LrPRP were significantly different that TNF-α ratios of control group. On the day of suture removal ratios of IL-6 and TNF-α were lower in LrPRP treatment group compared with control group; however, differences were not significant. LrPRP modulate ratios of pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α in dogs with CCLR.