Therapeutic effects of platelet-rich plasma on cartilage in experimental swine models of leg weakness

Abstract

This study examined the effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) administration on the repair of articular cartilage damage in domestic pigs with experimentally induced leg weakness. The left hind stifle joints of six 56-day-old castrated domestic pigs were artificially injured; PRP was injected into the stifle joints of three pigs. Histopathological analysis of dissected articular cartilage revealed that all specimens were lightly stained with Alcian blue, and regions containing immature chondrocytes or chondrocyte clusters indicated cartilage repair. The average cartilage thickness was 189.44 μm in the control group and 386.53 μm in the treatment group, showing a significant difference (P≤0.028). These findings suggest that PRP administration promotes articular cartilage repair in domestic pigs.