“Canine Validation – Why Is It Important?”
In previous blogs, we have explored a general knowledge of Platelet Rich Plasma, Stem Cells and the indications for which they can be used. Now, let’s take a look at the systems that make these therapies possible and the importance of using a system validated for use in canines.
The general definition of validation is to “confirm that a product or a service meets the needs of its users”. In the veterinary practice that is utilizing regenerative medicine, whether it be PRP or Stem Cell therapy (or a combination of the two), the goal is to use a product that will result in having consistent therapeutic effects. With Platelet Rich Plasma, that means using a final PRP product that has a 5-7 fold concentration of platelets and a reduction of less than desirable or harmful cell types (red blood cells and neutrophils). For Stem Cell isolations, it means producing a product that contains active stem cells that can divide and differentiate into the tissue we are intending to heal. Additionally, the process by which these final products are obtained must be reproducible with little variation between users and patients.
Why do we need a system to be specifically validated for canine patients? To meet the goals of the veterinary practitioner, it is imperative that the system being used has been optimized to process samples for the intended patients. For the equine practitioner, that means using a system that was designed to process samples collected from a horse. Similarly, for the small animal practitioner, that means using a system that was designed process samples for dogs. But why can’t a small animal practitioner use a system that was originally intended for horses or humans? After all, blood is blood, right?
It is important to understand the different characteristics of blood and the species that blood sample belongs to. Densities, volumes and shapes of the cells all come into consideration when designing a processing protocol for isolating a select cell type. When processing for Platelet Rich Plasma, this means the method of separation needs to be specific for the characteristics of the cells in the particular species. What may work for a horse, may not work for a dog, human, etc. It is important that the system being used to process the samples has taken all of the above characteristics into consideration and is specifically designed to process the samples accordingly. It is equally important that the system has been validated by third party evaluation to provide the end product that has been marketed.
For more information on the Companion Regenerative Therapies System or to view the published multicenter validation study on canine PRP, please click here. Stayed tuned for our next blog where we will take a closer look at the different cell types and their roles in the PRP sample.
“Platelet Rich Plasma- Indications For Use”
In our previous post titled “Growth Factors- What Are They and Why Are They Important?”, we took a closer look at the components that provide the benefits in Platelet Rich Plasma. Now that we have an understanding of why Platelet Rich Plasma is beneficial, it’s time to look at what conditions it can be used for.
One of the most common conditions that can be treated with Platelet Rich Plasma is osteoarthritis. Also referred to as Degenerative Joint Disease or DJD, osteoarthritis is the most common cause of lameness in dogs. It affects 1 out of 5 adult dogs and 4 out of 5 geriatric dogs (>8 years old) in North America.* Osteoarthritis is progressive and permanently deteriorates the cartilage in the joints, which can lead to painful bone-on-bone contact if left untreated. Because osteoarthritis in progressive, it is important to detect the disease in its early stages and treat it effectively to prevent further damage.
When PRP is used as a treatment for osteoarthritis, it provides several benefits to the affected joint, including:
- Increased lubrication of joint space
- Preservation of remaining cartilage
- Increased production and preservation of cellular matrix (Hyaluronic Acid, Chondroitin Sulfate, Collagen, etc.)
- Decreased inflammation (modulates inflammatory cytokines)
- Reduction in pain
Platelet Rich Plasma can also be used to treat soft tissue injuries including ligament and tendon tears. It has been shown to accelerate healing and repair of these injuries through the gradual release of its growth factors and attraction of numerous cell types to the site of injury. Additionally, it has been shown to increase tensile strength of tendons after administration, reducing the likelihood of re-injury in the area of damage. Just as with osteoarthritis, it is important to have a definitive diagnosis confirmed by either needle scope or ultrasound.
Additionally, PRP has been shown to be beneficial in the treatment of burn wounds, open wounds, certain spinal conditions and in the preparation of bone graft material. To request more information about Platelet Rich Plasma and the Companion Regenerative Therapies System, click here.
Stay tuned for next week’s post where we will go over canine system validation and why it’s important.
*Johnston SA. Osteoarthritis: Joint anatomy, physiology, and pathobiology. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 1997, 27: 699-723.
Growth Factors 101
In our earlier post titled “PRP 101”, we looked at Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) and gained a general understanding of its use and benefits in veterinary medicine. Today we are going to look a little closer at the key components that provide these benefits, growth factors.
Growth factors are small proteins that are contained within a compartment inside the platelet called the alpha granule. When a platelet is exposed to an area of damage or to fibrinogen, it becomes activated and changes its shape so that the alpha granule releases its growth factors. These growth factors play an important role in tissue repair and healing because they attract other cell types to the area that in turn clean up and rebuild the tissue.
The “original” growth factor that was first discovered in platelets is Platelet Derived Growth Factor (PDGF). PDGF acts in several different capacities and is most commonly known for its role in blood vessel formation (angiogenesis). PDGF also has the ability to attract macrophages to an area of damage to begin the clean-up of injured or necrotic tissue. Additionally, PDGF prompts macrophages to release additional growth factors into the tissue.
Another notable growth factor is Transforming Growth Factor Beta (TGF-β). TGF-β is known to synthesize and preserve the extracellular matrix which can include Hyaluronic Acid (HA), chondroitin sulfate and collagen. These components of the extracellular matrix are vital for maintaining elastic, fluid moving joints. This is increasingly important for joints that have a reduced joint space or eroded cartilage as seen in osteoarthritis. In addition to this, TGF-β has also shown to act as a scaffold for cartilage regeneration both in vitro and in vivo.
With several other growth factors found in platelets including Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF), Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), Fibroblastic Growth Factor (FGF) and Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF), tissue repair and healing can be done at an accelerated rate. Whether it is an arthritic joint that needs additional synovial components or a ligament injury in need of repair, platelets and their growth factors have been shown to be vital in the healing process.
Stay tuned for our next blog post where we discuss indications for using PRP.
