Shelf-Stable Platelet Lysate Benefits Horses with Musculoskeletal Disease

Platelet lysate is a solution created by breaking open platelets and collecting their contents, including myriad growth factors, bioactive molecules, and beneficial cytokines used to promote tissue healing and modulate the inflammatory process. The power of fresh platelet products, however, is limited by shelf life, as fresh platelet preparations only remain active for a short period of time. In a proof-of-concept study, researchers found a way to freeze-dry platelet lysate, producing a shelf-stable, easily transported product that widens the net of this powerful regenerative therapy.^*

Platelet products include both platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet lysate, easily produced from a single blood sample from either the patient or a donor horse. Studies show multiple uses for these platelet products, including tendon, ligament, and joint issues such as osteoarthritis. Most patients, however, are treated with fresh PRP or platelet lysate, which must be used quickly after being produced or frozen for future use.

“Freeze-drying platelet lysate will preserve the PRP bioactivity and facilitate easier transport and handling. The process should also allow these products to be standardized in terms of their content, which is not currently possible with freshly prepared platelet products,” explained Kathleen Crandell, Ph.D., a Kentucky Equine Research nutritionist. “Each horse’s PRP is unique and contains different concentrations of the various components.”

In the study by Bernardini and coworkers, PRP was collected from two horses and prepared using a standard centrifugation technique. Platelet lysate was subsequently prepared from the PRP by lysing the platelets using an accepted laboratory technique involving freeze-thaw cycles, precipitation, and centrifugation. The lysates were freeze-dried using various techniques and adjuvants. To test the efficacy of the freeze-dried platelet lysates, they were incubated with cultured stem cells and measured for cell viability.

“Each of the freeze-dried platelet lysates improved cultured stem cell viability, showing that the efficacy for the lysates was maintained,” Crandell said.

Having generated protocols for freeze-drying plasma lysates, the researchers are anticipating that these products will broaden the therapeutic potential for platelet products.

“Osteoarthritis is a leading cause of lameness, pain, loss of function, and poor quality of life. There is no cure for this progressive, degenerative joint condition, making it important to explore and use all available options, including PRP and platelet lysates,” according to Crandell.

In addition to PRP, common therapeutics for osteoarthritis include other biologic therapies such as IRAP and stem cells, in addition to intra-articular corticosteroids and hyaluronic acid, and oral joint supplements.

“Effectively managing osteoarthritis and inflammation may include supplementing your horse with a hyaluronic acid product such as Synovate HA, which contains anti-inflammatory properties. Regular supplementation can significantly contribute to maintaining cartilage health and elasticity, joint fluid viscoelasticity, and lubrication of the entire joint mechanism,” Crandell advised.

 ^*Bernardini, C., N. Romagnoli, I. Casalini, M.E. Turba, A. Spadari, M. Forni, and F. Gentilini. 2024. Freeze-drying protocols and methods of maintaining the in-vitro biological activity of horse platelet lysate. International Journal of Veterinary Science and Medicine 12(1):71-80.