Efficacy of combining prp and mmp inhibitors in treating moderately damaged tendons ex vivo

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors (MMPIs) have been used as therapeutic options for tendinopathy. However, mixed results have been reported regarding their efficacy. We posited that the combination of these two treatment strategies would be more beneficial for healing tendons than each treatment alone. Rat tail tendons were harvested and cultured without mechanical stress for 0, 4, or 10 days. Single and combination treatment with PRP and MMPIs was administered to 4-day stress-deprived (SD) tendons, over 6 days. The results showed better biomechanical and histological features for the PRP+MMPI group compared to all individual treatment modalities. Moreover, higher fiber density, more elongated nucleus shape, smaller space between fibers, and a trend toward higher mechanical strength were noted for PRP+MMPI group compared to 10-day SD tendons. This study shows that the combination of PRP+MMPI is a potentially effective treatment approach for tendinopathy.