Journal of Research in Applied and Basic Medical Sciences (Jan 2024)
Analysis of IL-6 marker in synovial fluid of the knee joint in patients with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis before and after platelet-rich plasma administration
Abstract
Background & Aims: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has emerged as a treatment for osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The aim of the current study is to assess the effect of PRP injection and its influence on interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the synovial fluid of the knee joint in OA and RA patients. Materials & Methods: Clinico-radiologically diagnosed case of OA and RA of 30 each was included during the study period of 2 years. 10 ml of patient blood collected and PRP was prepared by differential centrifugation method, and this freshly prepared PRP was injected to the affected knee joint slowly. IL-6 levels assessed in synovial fluid at pre-PRP injection and 1st, 3rd and 6th month post-PRP Injection. Pain was measured using Visual Analog Scale. Results: The mean age of the cases was 58.5 years for OA and 47.2 years for RA. Females were predominantly compared to males. Majority were Kellegren Lawrence radiological grade 3 in 15 (50%) cases, following grade 2 in 8 (26.67%) cases, grade 4 in 6(20%) cases and grade 1 in 1(3.33%) case. Mean IL-6 in OA cases was 89.5±24.5 pg/ml at pre PRP, and 66.48±23.1 pg/ml at post PRP (p<0.001, paired t-test). Mean IL-6 in RA was 97.5±18.9 pg/ml at pre-PRP injection, and 89.6±17.9 at post PRP (p<0.001, paired t-test). In OA cases, paired t-test between the mean pain scores (VAS) at follow-up depicts that the mean difference and standard error of difference between 6-month follow-up and one-month follow-up was -1.23 ± 0.20 statistically significant differences (95%CI: -1.71 to -0.73). In RA cases, paired t-test between the mean pain scores (VAS) at followup depicts that the mean difference and standard error of difference between 6-month follow-up and one-month follow-up was -1.38 ± 0.19 statistically significant differences (95% CI: -1.69 to -0.75). There was a positive correlation between levels of IL-6 and pain score (r=0.309, p=0.004). Conclusion: Study shows that anti-Inflammatory role of PRP, which was evidenced by the statistically significant difference in the IL-6 levels at follow-up. It may be beneficial to halt the progress in arthritic joints. This study successfully established an anti-inflammatory role of PRP in joint pathology by influencing the IL-6 levels.
