ABSTRACT

Arthritis is an acute or chronic inflammation of one or more joints which results in marked physiological changes. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) is a concentrated source of autologous platelets and has many therapeutic effects in infections and injuries. In addition, it also accelerates tissue healing due to presence of abundant source of growth factors. In Iraq, this appears to be the first in vivo physiological study which investigated deleterious impact of arthritis on inflammatory and antioxidant markers. Moreover, this study also evaluated the role of PRP in restoration of the normal physiological status. The results revealed significantly higher levels of inflammatory markers FABP and IL-1 and lower levels of IL-10, TNF-a and TGF in arthritis group (AG) when compared to negative control group (NCG). Regarding antioxidants in AG, significant reduction in catalase, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide peroxidase, and elevation in malondialdehyde was observed. However, levels of inflammatory and antioxidant markers in arthritis-PRP group (APRPG) were found to be significantly restored to normal. Moreover, significant variation in paw volume was observed. While comparing the values between AG and APRPG, no significant differences were detected at 3^rd, 6^th and 9^th day of experiment; however, significant progressive increase was detected from the 12^th day to the last day of experiment. Among rats of AG, the highest increase in paw volume was found at 24^th and 27^th day of experiment; while in rats of APRPG, the highest value was seen at 9^th day of experiment. With respect to the scores of arthritis, no clinical signs were detected among rats of NCG and PRPG; whereas, significant increase was reported in rats of AG (score: 2) and in rats of APRPG (score: 1). In conclusion, PRP can be used as a safe and easy therapeutic product for reversion of physiological changes due to arthritis. Further studies might help in elucidating the activity of PRP on other physiological parameters or diseases.