WHAT IS AUTOLOGOUS PROTEIN CONCENTRATE?
Autologous protein concentrate (APC) is comprised of a high concentration of various anti-inflammatory proteins found in blood. There are many pro-inflammatory proteins known to affect joints and tissues and reducing these pro-inflammatory proteins and increasing anti-inflammatory proteins can assist with reduction of pain and inflammation, create a more favorable biological environment in joints and tissues, and protect the integrity of the existing tissues. Some of the more helpful proteins have been listed below:
| Protein | Physiologic effects |
|---|---|
| Alpha-2 macroglobulin (A2M) | Binds IL-1β and downregulates NF-κB–induced breakdown of cartilage. Also acts as a proteinase trap, reducing inflammation and cartilage damage by inhibiting MMPs. |
| Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) | Blocks the IL-1 inflammatory cytokine. |
| Soluble IL-1 receptor II | Resides in plasma and binds and inhibits the inflammatory cytokine IL-1. |
| Soluble tissue necrotic factor receptor I (sTNF-R1) | Binds TNFα and neutralizes inflammatory effects. |
| Soluble tissue necrotic factor receptor II (sTNF-R2) | Binds TNFα and neutralizes inflammatory effects. |
| Interleukin-10 (IL-10) | Suppresses inflammatory cytokines TNFα, IL-1, and IL-6, which can contribute to tissue damage. |
| Albumin | Binds to inflammatory mediators including PGE2, leukotrienes, PAF, Lyso-PC, TNFα, IL-1β, and IL-6. |
HOW DOES APC WORK?
Autologous protein concentrate (APC) is a concentration of various proteins and cytokines from blood that have individually shown to help with decreasing existing pro-inflammatory mediators in the joint and tissues. Decreasing inflammatory and catabolic proteins such as interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF⍺), and interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-1, MMP-3, MMP-9, MMP-13) can help decrease pain and inflammation and assist with protecting tissues such as cartilage, tendons, and ligaments.
Benefits of APC:
Autologous protein concentrate (APC) is a non-surgical treatment option that can naturally provide anti-inflammatory effects long term. It can reduce pain and swelling and can assist with tissue recovery. By reducing certain catabolic proteins, APC can reduce the presence of harmful proteins that break down cartilage, ligaments, and tendons.
WHO IS A CANDIDATE FOR APC?
Ideal candidates for autologous protein concentrate injections are individuals seeking a non-surgical solution for pain relief and tissue healing. These include people with chronic joint pain, arthritis, chondromalacia (cartilage damage), meniscus tears, labral tears, ligament sprains and tears, and tendinosis and tendon partial tears. APC may be helpful in situations where traditional treatments such as rest, medications, chiropractic care, acupuncture, and physical therapy have not helped. Candidates may be seeking an alternative to surgery. A formal consultation with Dr. Yoon will be needed to determine if this treatment is appropriate.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT WITH APC TREATMENT?
The consultation with Dr. Yoon will consist of a thorough evaluation and discussion. Dr. Yoon’s office will also provide a pre and post treatment guideline handout if treatment is pursued. Most treatments require abstaining from the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) one week before and two weeks after the procedure to allow the treatments to naturally work. Because many treatment protocols are tailored to the specific needs of the patient, expectations post treatment will be carefully explained beforehand. Necessary prescriptions for orthotics and other braces, biomechanics evaluations, physical therapy prescriptions, specific location and provider referrals, and other needs will be provided. Continuous patient follow-up will occur at specific timepoints to optimize treatment results.
WHY CHOOSE DR. STEVE YOON FOR APC?
Dr. Steve Yoon is a highly regarded biologics expert utilizing autologous protein concentrate (APC) treatments in professional sports making him a top choice for APC therapy for patients in Los Angeles and around the country. He has extensive experience utilizing APC while in his role as Director of Clinical Regenerative Medicine at the Cedars Sinai Kerlan Jobe Institute and as a treating consultant for the vast majority of professional sports teams and sports agencies throughout the country. Dr. Yoon has successfully treated patients over two decades while specializing in the use of APC and other regenerative therapies to enhance recovery and performance. His personalized and tailored approach with patients and helping them with their quality of life has earned him numerous honors including being recognized annually in Los Angeles as a Super Doctor as well as a Top Doctor nationally by Castle Connolly.
RESEARCH ARTICLES
Sun C, et al. A2M inhibits inflammatory mediators of chondrocytes by blocking IL-1β/NF-κB pathway. J Orthop Res. 2023 Jan;41(1):241-248.
Kuwasawa A, Okazaki K, Noda K, Nihei K. Clinical results of autologous protein solution injection for knee osteoarthritis with severe disease grade is inferior to mild or moderate grade. Sci Rep. 2023; 13:6404.
Mathieu S, Kuhi L, Binvignat M, et al. The relationship between circulating and tissue biomarkers and osteoarthritis-related pain: a systematic literature review. Osteoarthr Cartil Open. 2025;7(4):100684. doi:10.1016/j.ocarto.2025.100684