Platelet-rich plasma and IL-1β antagonist receptor peptide attenuate the inflammatory process of muscle injury in wistar rats

Muscle injuries are frequent in sports, necessitating therapies that reduce inflammation and enhance repair. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), derived from autologous blood, offers high concentrations of platelets and growth factors for tissue regeneration. Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), a pro-inflammatory cytokine, is crucial in inflammation, and its inhibition may speed up healing, but the high cost of blockers limits their use. This study evaluated the effects of leukocyte-rich PRP (LR-PRP), leukocyte-poor PRP (LP-PRP), and the peptide antagonist DAP1-2 on inflammation after muscle injury. Eighty-four rats were divided into seven groups: Control; muscle injury (MI); MI + LR-PRP; MI + LP-PRP; MI + DAP1-2; MI + LR-PRP + DAP1-2; MI + LP-PRP + DAP1-2. Muscle damage was induced via contusion of the right gastrocnemius, with treatments administered 24 h post-injury. On day five, groups were euthanized for analysis. RT-qPCR measured NF-kB and IL-1β expression, while ELISA assessed pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α and IL-6. All treated groups showed reduced inflammatory and oxidative stress markers by day five, with the PRP-LP + DAP1-2 group showing the most significant effects, indicating enhanced tissue repair.