WHAT IS PLATELET RICH LYSATE?
Platelet lysate is comprised of concentrated growth factors and cytokines derived from platelet cells from blood. It is similar to platelet rich plasma (PRP) except that the platelet cells are processed where the growth factors, cytokines, and chemokines are obtained from the platelet cells before the treatment is administered. Some studies have shown that growth factors IGF-1, PDGF, TGF-β, and BDNF have a higher concentration with platelet lysate. The benefit of this acellular treatment is to decrease the inflammatory reaction related to platelet cell granulation and release of inflammatory reactors such as histamine and to exclude inflammatory cells such as white blood cells (leukocytes).
| Growth factors | Origins | Physiological effects |
|---|---|---|
| PDGF | Neuronal cells, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, vascular cells | Induces stem cell proliferation, neuroprotection, promotes cell migration and proliferation |
| TGF-β | β cells, T cells, dendritic cells, macrophages | Promotes cell proliferation and differentiation, assists with tissue repair and fibrosis, and inhibits activation of immune cells |
| VEGF | Endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, platelets, neutrophils, macrophages | Angiogenesis and vascular repair, tissue repair, neuroprotection |
| IGF-1 | Hepatic stellate cells, osteoblasts, fibroblasts, macrophages | Promotes growth, cell differentiation, and cell proliferation |
| bFGF | Endothelial cells, bone cells | Induction of neovascularization and neurotrophy |
| EGF | Vascular smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells, neutrophils, macrophages | Promotes wound healing and anti-inflammatory effects |
HOW DOES PLATELET LYSATE WORK?
Platelet lysate provides an immediate delivery of a high concentration of growth factors and cytokine proteins that has shown in research studies to promote a signaling mechanism that attracts necessary healing factors and cells to the injured area. These growth factors are also involved in promoting new blood vessel formation to the injured site along with promoting new tissue growth and improving the quality of the tissue formed during the healing process. Platelet lysate also has demonstrated its ability to be involved with the regulation and reduction of inflammation and thus, has been associated with pain control.
BENEFITS OF PLATELET LYSATE:
Platelet lysate is a natural, non-surgical, biologic treatment option using your blood’s growth factors and proteins that can initiate and assist with tissue repair and improve the quality of tissue fibers formed. It can also assist with providing anti-inflammatory effects long term.
WHO IS A CANDIDATE FOR PLATELET LYSATE?
Ideal candidates for platelet lysate treatment 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. Platelet lysate 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 PLATELET LYSATE 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 PLATELET LYSATE?
Dr. Steve Yoon is a highly regarded biologics expert utilizing platelet lysate treatments in professional sports making him a top choice for platelet lysate therapy for patients in Los Angeles and around the country. He has extensive experience utilizing platelet lysate 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 platelet lysate 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
Fonseca L da, Santos GS, Huber SC, Setti TM, Setti T, Lana JF. Human platelet lysate – a potent (and overlooked) orthobiologic. J Clin Orthop Trauma. 2021;21:101534. doi:10.1016/j.jcot.2021.101534.
Valtetsiotis K, Di Martino A, Brunello M, D’Agostino C, Poluzzi R, Ferri R, Mora P, Traina F, Faldini C. Platelet lysate for the treatment of osteoarthritis: a systematic review of preclinical and clinical studies. Musculoskelet Surg. 2024;108(3):275-288. doi:10.1007/s12306-024-00827-z.
Gupta A, Maffulli N. Platelet lysate and osteoarthritis of the knee: a review of current clinical evidence. Pain Ther. 2024;13(6):1377-1386. doi:10.1007/s40122-024-00661-y
Hosseini S, et al. Comparative evaluation of autologous platelet-rich plasma and platelet lysate injection effectiveness in patients with knee osteoarthritis. [Journal]. 2023. (PMID 37351894)