Autologous blood therapy, known as ACP (Autologous Conditioned Plasma) or PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma), utilizes the body's own regenerative forces to alleviate osteoarthritis-related joint pain, particularly in the knee. This therapy is gaining popularity as it can reduce inflammatory irritation and alleviate pain in osteoarthritis without the side effects of conventional medications. This article highlights the scientific principles, benefits, and limitations of ACP and PRP treatment.

1. Basics of autologous blood therapy: ACP and PRP

In ACP/PRP therapy, a small amount of blood is taken, processed, and the platelet-rich components are injected into the affected joint. The growth factors concentrated in the plasma promote the healing of cartilage and connective tissue. This method is particularly used in osteoarthritis of the knee and other large joints, where the anti-inflammatory and regenerative effects are particularly effective.

2. Potential applications and successes in the knee joint

ACP and PRP show good efficacy, especially in mild to moderate arthrosis of the knee joint. Studies and experiences demonstrate that the therapy reduces pain, improves mobility, and alleviates inflammatory swelling. ACP can serve as an alternative or supplement to cortisone injections and painkillers to treat inflammatory reactions in a targeted manner.

3. Treatment procedure and typical dosages

A standard treatment plan usually consists of a series of three to five injections at weekly intervals. The procedure is simple and can be performed in a doctor's office. After blood collection, the plasma is prepared and injected. Side effects are rare, as only the patient's own material is used, minimizing the risk of allergic reactions.

4. Differences between ACP and PRP

Although both treatment forms are based on the same technology, they vary in their platelet content. ACP concentrates platelets less strongly than PRP, which represents a gentle alternative for mild joint pain and osteoarthritis. The choice between the two depends on individual needs and pain intensity.

How does ACP work?

The mode of action of ACP (Autologous Conditioned Plasma) therapy is based on the use of the body's own blood components, which trigger regenerative processes and support healing in arthritic or injured joints. ACP therapy works through the following mechanisms:

1. Increase in growth factor concentration

In ACP therapy, the patient's blood is centrifuged to separate the platelets and plasma from the red blood cells. These concentrated platelets contain a high number of growth factors (e.g., PDGF, VEGF, and TGF-β), which are injected into the affected joint. These growth factors promote cell proliferation, stimulating tissue repair and the formation of new cartilage cells.

2. Anti-inflammatory effect

Growth factors in ACP help modulate inflammatory reactions. ACP can suppress the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines (such as TNF-alpha and Interleukin-1), which contribute to pain and inflammation in osteoarthritis. The reduction of these inflammatory mediators provides pain relief and slows down the arthritic destruction of cartilage tissue.

3. Stimulation of collagen production

The platelets contained in the ACP stimulate collagen production in the cartilage tissue. Collagen is an important component of cartilage and contributes to the strength and flexibility of the tissue. By promoting collagen synthesis, the cartilage tissue becomes more stable and resistant to stress.

4. Increase in cartilage cell activity

The growth factors in ACP promote the activity of cartilage cells, which contributes to the preservation and regeneration of damaged tissue. This is particularly important in degenerative joint diseases such as osteoarthritis, in which the cartilage cell activity decreases over the course of the disease.

5. Promotion of tissue repair

Through the combination of the effects mentioned above, tissue repair is overall promoted. The increased cell proliferation, collagen production, and anti-inflammatory effect ensure that damaged tissue regenerates more quickly. However, this is a supportive effect; ACP cannot completely compensate for cartilage loss, but it can slow down the progression of arthrosis and alleviate symptoms.

These mechanisms make ACP a promising treatment method for osteoarthritis in the knee joint and other large joints, especially in cases of mild to moderate osteoarthritis. The mechanism of action relies on stimulating the body's natural healing forces and is therefore particularly gentle and low-risk.

How does PRP work?

PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy utilizes the properties of platelets and growth factors from the patient's own blood to support healing processes and alleviate joint pain, such as in osteoarthritis. The mechanism of action of PRP is based on several important mechanisms:

1. Concentrated growth factors for regeneration

PRP is a particularly highly concentrated mixture of blood platelets that is enriched with a high number of growth factors. These growth factors, such as PDGF (Platelet-Derived Growth Factor), EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor), and TGF-β (Transforming Growth Factor-Beta), promote cell proliferation and the formation of new tissue. They stimulate the growth of cartilage cells and contribute to the regeneration of damaged joint structures, particularly in degenerative changes such as osteoarthritis

2. Stimulation of collagen production

PRP promotes the production of collagen, an important component of cartilage tissue that supports the stability and flexibility of the tissue. The increased collagen synthesis helps to make the cartilage more resistant to stress, which is essential for the stability and function of the joint.

3. Modulation of the inflammatory response

PRP helps to control inflammatory processes. The platelets release anti-inflammatory molecules that suppress the formation of pro-inflammatory cytokines (such as IL-1 and TNF-alpha). This anti-inflammatory effect can reduce the pain in osteoarthritis and slow the progression of the disease, which is particularly helpful for patients with chronic inflammation.

4. Promotion of cell migration and angiogenesis

Growth factors in PRP promote cell migration and angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels). This improves the supply of cartilage and adjacent tissues with nutrients and oxygen. Especially in joints like the knee, which has limited blood circulation, improved blood supply can stimulate healing processes and contribute to faster regeneration.

5. Stimulation of cartilage cell proliferation

PRP also contains bioactivators that stimulate cartilage cells to divide and produce healthy cartilage tissue. Since osteoarthritis is often associated with a loss of functional cartilage, this effect of PRP treatment can slow the progression of osteoarthritis and contribute to pain reduction.

6. Structural support and protection of the joint

In the case of osteoarthritis in the knee, PRP ensures that the affected joint becomes more stable and less susceptible to micro-trauma caused by everyday stress. It thus protects against further damage and creates an environment that supports the long-term functionality of the joint.

PRP therapy is a minimally invasive treatment method that is particularly suitable for patients with mild to moderate osteoarthritis symptoms. It has a high level of safety since only the patient's own substances are used, and is therefore low-risk in terms of allergic reactions and infections.

Limits and risks of autologous blood therapy

ACP/PRP therapy is not a miracle cure and is not suitable for every patient. In cases of severe cartilage damage or advanced osteoarthritis, the successes are limited because the treatment cannot fully regenerate the tissue. Patients should have realistic expectations and consider autologous blood therapy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.